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OFFICE OF INDIAN AFFAIRS 



THE 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 

OF 

JAMES S. (^ALHOUN 

WHILE INDIAN AGENT AT SANTA FE AND SUPERINTENDENT 
OF INDIAN AFFAIRS IN NEW MEXICO 



COLLECTED MAINLY FROM THE FILES OF THE INDIAN OFFICE 
AND EDITED, UNDER ITS DIRECTION, BY 

ANNIE HELOISE ABEL 




WASHINGTON 
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 



EL- ii<r 



•"^^ 9 1915 



CONTENTS. 



Maun.scriiJt sources vii 

lutroductiou ix 

Corresijoudeuce 1 

ludex 551 

ILLUSTRATIONS. 

Portrait of James S. Calhoun 1 

Sketch map (No. 1) prepared by Calhouu in 1849, suggesting localities 

for Indian agencies In pocket. 

Map (No. 2) of New Mexico, with pueblos, as noted by Calhoun, 1850__In pocket. 
Map (No. 3) of the Territory of New Mexico, compiled by Bvt. Second 

Lieut. John G. Parke, 1851 ' In pocket. 

IMap (No. 4) of the country between the frontiers of Arkansas and New 

Mexico, embracing the section explored in 1849. 1850, 1851, and 1852, 

by Capt. R. B. Marey In pocket. 

Ill 



LIST OF ABBREYIATIO]^a 



O. I. A Office of ludian Aflfairs. 

B. I. A Bureau of Indexes and Archives. 

A. G. O Adjutant General's Office. 

A. L A.bstract of Letters Sent, Office of Indian Affairs. 

L. B Letter Book, Office of Indian Affairs. 

L. R Letters Registered. Office of Indian Affairs. 

R. B Report Book, Office of Indian Affairs. 

D. L Domestic Letters. Bureau of Indexes and Archives. 

M. L .Miscellaneous Letters, Bureau of Indexes and Archives. 

M. B Military Book. Adjutant General's Office. 

R. L. R Register of Letters Received, Adjntc\nt General's Office. 

V 



MAI^USCKIPT SOURCES. 



Office of Indian Affairs (Mails and Files Division) : 

1. Originals (unbound) — Files (incoming letters, reports, &c.) — 

a. St. Louis Snperintendeucy. 

b. New Mexico Superintendency. 

c. Utah Superintendency. 

d. Fort Leavenworth. 

e. Santa Fe Agency. 

f. Salt Lake Agency. 

g. Rio Gila Subagency. 

h. San Jqachim Subagency. 

i. Depredation claims. 

j. Treaties, originals. 

k. Treaties, copies. 

1. Miscellaneous papers, no file marks. 

2. Copies— 

a. Abstract books (abstracts of letters sent) — 

No. 5. January, 1848, to February, 1849. 
No. 6. March, 1849, to June, 1851. 
No. 7. July, 1851, to December, 1852. 

b. Letter books (letters sent) — 

No. 41. June 1, 1848. to March 31. 1849. 
No. 42. April 1, 1849, to January 31, 1850. 
No. 43. February 1, 1850, to October 31, 1850. 
No. 44. November 1, 1850. to July 20, 1851. 
No. 45. July 21, 1851, to March 31, 1852. 
No. 46. April 1, 1852, to January 20, 1853. 

c. Letters registered (record of letters received) — 

No. 36. January 1, 1849, to December 31, 1849. 
No. 37. January 1, 1850, to October 11, 1850. 
No. 38. October 12. 18.50, to April 30, 1851. 
No. 39. May 1, 1851, to December 31, 1851. 
No. 40. January 1. 1852, to December 31. 1852. 

d. Receipt book (receipts for salaries, employees of Indian Office. 

1846-18.52). 

e. Report books (letters from the Commissioner of Indian Affairs 

to the Secretary of the Interior) — 
No. 6. July 26. 1848. to June 23, 1851. 
No. 7. June 28, 1851. to April 29, 1854. 

f. " Records " — New Mexico, No. 1 — 

This is a volume containing several Journals of Daily Tran- 
sactions, and among them is .John Greiner's. It extends 
from April, 1X52, to September, 1852. 

VII 



VIII MANUSCRIPT SOURCES. 

A. Office of Indian Affairs — Continued. 

g. Letter press book — New Mexico — 

At tlie beginning of Volume I. wbich covers the period from 
April 4, 1852, to December 27, 1853, are two sets of in- 
serted pages, evidently pages torn from other letter press 
books. The first set of inserted pages contains copies of 
some of Greiner's letters. 

B. State Department (P.iirenu of Indexes and Archives) : 

1. Originals (bound) — Miscellaneous letters (incoming). 184S to 1853. 

These letters are carefully indexed in separately bound volumes. 
(2. Copies (bound) — Domestic letters (outgoing) 

Vol. 37. August 8, 1848, to April 20, 1850. 

Vol. 38. April 22, 18.50, to March 31, 1851. 

Vol. 39. April 1. 18.51. to March 6, 1852. 

Vol. 40. March 5. 1852, to August 27. 1852. 

C. War Department (Archives Division of the Adjutant General's Office) : 

1. Originals (unbound) — 

a. Regnlar files, 1848-1853. 

b. Two boxes ol* New Mexican papers, 1848-1849 and 1850, for 

which there is no " register of letters received " in the 
A. G. O. 

2. Copies (bound) — * 

a. Military books (outgoing letters) — 

No. 28. August 17, 1847, to December 31, 1848. 
No. 29. January 1. 1849, to December 31, 1.849. 
No. 30. January 1. 1850. to December 31, 1850. 
No. 31. January 1. 1851, to September 30, 1851. 
No. 32. October 1. 1851, to April 30, 1852. 
No. 33. May 1, 1852. to October 13, 1852. 

b. Registers of letters received — 

No. 68. October 1. 1848, to March 5, 1849. 
No. 69. March G. 1849. to June 30, 1849. 
No. 70. July 1, 1849, to December 31, 1849. 
No. 71. January 1. 1850. to August 30, 1850. 
No. 72. September 1, 1S.50. to May 31. 1851. 
No. 73. Jnne 1. 1851, to December 31. 18.51. 
No. 74. January 1. 1852. to June 30, 1852. 
No. 75. July 1, 1852. to December 31. 1852. 

c. Letter books. Department of New Mexico — 

No. 5, being Old Book, No. 1, rebound. The first part of this 
book is taken up with copies of Charles Bent's letters, 
September, 1846. to January, 1847; the second part with 
Sumner corresiwndeuce, November, 1851. to February, 1852. 

No. 6, being Old Books, Nos. lA and 3 rebound. Old Rook No. 
lA (-(.ntains letters fnnn Santa Fe. 1862. 1863, 1864; Old 
Book No. 3, letters from Headquarters of 9th Military 
Department. 18.50. There are a few 1849 letters. 

No. 7. being Old Books, Nos. 2 and 4 rebound. The letters 
are from Headquarters of 9th Military Department, 1849. 
and are mostly Munroe's. There are a few of Sumner's. 

No. 8, being Old Book, No. 5, rebound. 

No. 9, being Old Books, Nos. 5 A and 6, rebound. 

No. 11, being Old Book. No. 13, rebound. There is one letter 
for 1851. The other letters are for the period from Janu- 
ary, 1852, to December 5, 1852. 



INTRODUCTION. 

For many years past the Office of Indian Ali'airs has been the vic- 
tim of the most untoward circumstances and events imaginable. Its 
records have been like the people, the repository of whose history 
and financial status they are, both in the frequency of their removals 
and in the uncertainty of their occupancy tenure. As a matter of 
fact, the Indian Office has never really had a place, suited to its 
needs, that it could call its own, either a whole building or a part of 
a building. It has always been obliged to accommodate itself to cer- 
tain rooms not needed at the moment by some other bm^eau and to 
vacate them the instant they were needed. The wonder is that the 
Indian Office files are so nearly complete and so well preserved as 
they are, considering how little concern they have ever caused those 
highest in authority. The day of their safety is, however, fast draw- 
ing to its close unless something be soon done to arrest the tendencies 
of these later years. 

Upon the occasion of its transfer from the old Post-office Build- 
ing to the Pension Building, where it was allowed to use the west 
rooms on the ground floor and the corresponding half of the base- 
ment and of the court, the Indian OtHce was permitted to appropriate 
certain old cases that had been discarded by the Pension Office. 
These cases contained numerous huge drawers, huge in that their ex- 
tension was deep. They were otherwise shallow and not in any sense 
adapted to the accommodation of the Indian Office files. The great 
bulk of the files were then in filing boxes just such as are in use at 
the War Department today; they were folded; and were arranged, 
in the filing boxes, chronologically and with strict reference to tribe, 
agency, superintendency, or locality. The transfer from the old 
Post-office Building had been made solely with a view to giving 
more room to the General Land Office. There was no money to 
spend on Indian Office furniture or equipment and no place in the 
new quarters for putting up the tall cases of shelves upon which the 
old filing boxes had, for so long, reposed. Under the circumstances 
the only thing to be done was to empty the filing boxes and arrange 
their contents as conveniently and as compactly as possible in the dis- 
carded Pension Office cases. Many things, such as maps and books 
and papers that were not needed for the current business of the In- 
dian Office, and in consequence regarded as not particularly valuable, 
were deposited in the basement, exposed to furnace heat and dirt 
and to danger of destruction from fire. It soon developed that suffi- 



X INTRODUCTION. 

cient space had not been allotted to the Indian Office for the accom- 
modation of its office force and its files and so additional space on the 
topmost floor of the same building was grudgingly conceded. Here 
some of the most valuable papers, historically considered, that the 
Indian Office possesses, were placed and there they remained for a 
long period, comparatively inaccessible except, be it remembered, to 
fire. When, finally, the larger part of the space they occupied came 
to be again demanded by the Pension Office, many of them were 
moved at a few hours notice and fairly dumped on the floor of the 
court. The Indian Office was not responsible ; for it was powerless. 
The Letter Boohs and the Re/port Bool's^ covering over a hundred 
years of history, are still at the top of the Pension Building. They 
are folio volumes and, if needed, are, of necessity, roughly handled ; 
for there is no table or desk near by upon which to place them and 
they are carted from attic to court on trucks. 

Needless to say, the Indian Office, anxious for the safety and 
preservation of its records, has been untiring in its efforts to arouse 
an interest, congressional, historical, or popular, as the case may be, 
in them: but it has met, as yet. with only very slight success. The 
first evidence of this success came in the shape of the following item 
in the Indian Appropriation Act of June 17, 1910 : 

For the classification and indexing of the files of the Office of 
Indian Affairs and preparing historical data from records therein, 
including the pay of employees, five thousand dollars. 

As is apparent at first glance, the scope of the work was to be out 
of all proportion to the means appropriated, especially as there was 
no certainty of an indefinite continuance. The work contemplated 
could not possibly be accomplished in a year's time, yet was of such 
a nature that, if once entered upon, would have to be completed or 
the records sacrificed. Hoping for the best and trusting that the 
work would sufficiently progress, under the existing appropriation, 
to supply its own justification for a renewal, the Indian Office en- 
gaged three persons at a salary of twelve hundred dollars each and 
set them at work arranging the old files. The idea was to have them 
consolidate General and Landj files and flat-file the whole. k.\. the 
close of the fiscal j'Car, the work came abruptly to an end. Congress 
having failed to make provision for its further prosecution. 

A policy such as this was exceedingly hazardous. The old system 
of classification of the files had been broken in upon, one might 
almost say ruthlessly demolished ; and, thus far, there was absolutely 
nothing to take its place. Things were in a state of transition that 
bid fair to be annihilation. Eventually, it was made possible for 
work to be resinned for another fiscal year. This was under the 
Indian ApiDropriation Act of August 24, 1912, which was, in reality, 
simply a re-issue of the earlier enactment. Its terms were just as 



INTRODUCTION. XI 

broad in the one direction, scope of work, and just as narrow in the 
other, means at the disposal of the office. 

In the spring of 1913, the attention of the Office of Indian Affairs 
was called to the fact that one part of the congressional enactment 
had not been complied with and it happened to be the part that 
certain influential members of the Senate and House committees, 
having supervision of the matter, were most interested in; namely, 
the publication of historical data. Almost simultaneously, notice 
came from the all-powerful comptroller that no portion of the five 
thousand dollar appropriation could legally be expended for flat- 
filing cases, without which, of course, the fiat-filing could not pro- 
ceed. The coincidence was purely circumstantial; but it, none the 
less, induced the Indian Office to enter upon a new course of action. 
It resolved to edit and publish a set of historical papers. It was 
then ]\Iarch and the money for the purpose would not be available 
after June 30, 1913. 

It was under such circumstances as these that the project for edit- 
ing the Calhoun correspondence had its inception. Any other set 
of papers might just as conveniently, perhaps, have been selected; 
but the time for work was short and the period covered by the Cal- 
houn letters was known to be of short duration. Moreover, it was 
hoped and confidently expected that papers, issuing from the great 
southwest right after the Mexican War, could not fail to contain 
matters of historical interest and prove to the world the exceedingly 
great value of records in the Indian Office, the preservation of which 
would of itself justify, in large measure, the erection of a national 
Hall of Records. 

Very little seems to be known of the early life and family connec- 
tions or antecedents of James S. Calhoun, first territorial governor 
of New Mexico. Apparently, he has only two descendents living, 
two great grand-daughters, Mary Calhoun Simmons and Osgood 
Catharine Simmons Arnold (Mrs. Joe Arnold), sisters, living to- 
gether in Atlanta. From Mrs. Arnold some slight biographical in- 
formation has been obtained. She is of the opinion that her great- 
grandfather was born near Abbeville, South Carolina, about 1802 
or 1803, although he refers to himself, in a letter to Luke Lea, Com- 
missioner of Indian Affairs, June 30, 1851, as a native of Georgia, 
and it was with that state that the greater part of his life was identi- 
fied. " On one Calhoun family record," so reports Mrs. Arnold, 
" he is shown as a brother of John C. Calhoun, on another, as his 
half-brotherj and on another as his first cousin." Suffice it to say^ 
that his living relatives know nothing that they are willing to 
vouch for of the connection. His fame, such as it is, rests upon his 
own life-work and upon that alone, and, assuredly, he needs no 
reflected glory. Lie was a self-made man. " On December 19th, 



XII INTRODUCTION. 

1822, he was married to Caroline Ann Sinnnons of South Carolina. 
This wife died in 1828, and in Februarv, 1880, he married Mrs. Annie 
V, Williamson of Greene County, Georgia. He had two children by 
his first wife — Carolina Louisa and Martha Ann. Carolina married 
Wm. E. Love in 1848, Martha married a Mr. Davis (John B.) and 
died without any heirs. Wm. E. Love and Carolina had two chil- 
dren, Anna Calhoun and James Calhoun. James died at the age of 
eighteen, unmarried. Anna married J. O. A. Simmons in December, 
1877. . . .*' 

After his marriage to Mrs. Williamson, Calhoun moved to Colum- 
bus, Georgia and engaged in the shipping business. He was the 
owner or part owner of several large vessels, presumably, the senior 
l)artner in the shipping firm of Calhoun and Boss (Bass) of Colum- 
l)us. During the Second Seminole War, a boat, the Anna Calhoun, 
and two large barges, all owned by this firm, were engaged by Lieu- 
tenant D. H. Vinton, acting quarter-master, for the United States 
service and detained by him, to the very great pecuniary loss of 
Calhoun and Boss, beyond the contract time. The firm entered claim 
against the government, therefore, for consequential damages. In 
1838. the report ^ of an investigating committee proved adverse and 
the claim was disallowed. In 1840. the case Avas re-opened and, on 
July 10th of that year, Mr. Giddings from the Committee on Claims 
to which had been referred House bill. No. 490,- reported favorably. 
March 3. 1843, an act ^ was passed appropriating $15,000 '' for the 
relief of James S. Calhoun." 

Calhoun was a stanch Whig, a " rabid '" one, says his great grand- 
daughter. He professed a great admiration for General Zachary 
Taylor, an ndmiration developed most likely by his interest in events 
leading up to and resulting from the Mexican War. In that war, 
Calhoun rendered personal service. He was captain of a company 
In a regiment of Georgia volunteers, received in June of 1846, com- 
manded by Colonel Henry R. Jackson, and discharged in ]\Iay of 
1847. For almost a year subsequent to either August or September. 
1847, Calhoun was the lieutenant-colonel commanding a battalion of 
Georgia mounted volunteers, which battalion was disbanded in July 
of 1848.* 

It was at the opening of President Taylor's administration that 
James S. Calhoun received the appointment of United States Indian 
xVgent at Santa Fe. He had no especial fitness for the position 
except the moderate familiarity Avith fhe region where his duties 
were to lie; but he proved himself a thoroughly capable and honest 
official. Not a single scandal, not a single suspicion of peculation 

1 Report of Committees, No. 1034, 25th Congress, 2nd session, Vol. IV [July 2, 1838]. 

2 House Report, No. 654, 26th Congress, 1st session. 

3 6 U. S. Stat, at L., 906. 

■> Charle.s K. (iardiier, " Dictionary of All Officers iu II. S. A.," p. 533. 



INTRODUCTION. XIII 

tarnished his record and, in his time, at least, that was a singidarly 
rare experience in the United States Indian service. 

The reasons for Calhoun's appointment were undoubtedly mainly 
political and his official correspondence offers a certain surprise and, 
withal, a certain disappointment because that thing was so. The 
new agent, and the first ever sent from Washington to Santa Fe 
forsooth, had practically nothing to sa}^ about the remarkable Indian 
civilization of the southwest. He seems not to have been even 
remotely interested, scientifically. His letters are all strangely lack- 
ing in references to scenery, to archaeological remains, to interesting- 
Indian customs, or to evidences of previous Spanish occupation. 
Thej^ are likewise lacking in more than a vague and occasional 
reference to the presidential administrative plans for New Mexico 
Calhoun was most certainly sent to Santa Fe for a purpose but 
what the real purpose was does not appear. Somewhere, no doubt, 
and very probably in the confidential files of Interior, War, or State 
department, there are papers that hold the secret. It is unfortunate 
that the limited time allowed for collecting the Calhoun corre- 
spondence did not permit the ransacking of all government archives 
for the years 1849, 1850, 1851, and 1852. Enough is told in the 
letters now printed to convince even the most casual reader that 
more might have been told and very probably was; for James S. 
Calhoun was a ready writer and a highly intelligent man. He was 
in the close confidence of men like Ewing. Crawford, Iverson, and 
Dawson. 

One noticeable thing about all the Calhoun letters is the com- 
plaint of inadequate support from Washing-ton. The Indian Office 
was evidently quite unprepai-ed to enter upon the task that legiti- 
mately fell to its lot of taking charge of the Indians of the south- 
west, and Congress had other things seemingly more vital to attend 
to. Calhoun's career, both as Indian Agent and as Superintendent 
of Indian Affairs was one long fight with corrupt local political 
influences; but he surely did his best to make bricks without straw. 
His closing days were sad. He left Santa Fe a sick man and he 
died on the plains. There is something yqvj pathetic in the thought 
that he carried his coffin with him. Evidently he half expected 
never to see Georgia again. In William Walker's Journal, under 
date of July 2, 1852, this entry is given : ^ 

" The corpse of Gov. Calhoun, who died on the road from Santa 
Fe to Kansas was bro't in for burial. He is to be buried with Masonic 
Honors. AVhat train bro't the remans in is yet unknown." 

The family believe him to have been buried at Independence, 
Missouri. 

' Connelley, " The Provisional Government of Nebraska Territory," p. .353. 



XIV INTEODUCTION. 

The text of the Calhoun and rehated correspondence as here printed 
calls for a few explanatory remarks. As nearly as possible all docu- 
ments have been presented just as they appear in the files, with all 
mistakes in syntax, capitalization, punctuation, and so forth, uncor- 
rected. One exception to exact reproduction is found in the use of 
the caret, which has not been inserted on the printed page, although 
found in the originals in connection with all omissions and inter- 
lineations. Another exception, equally minor in character, is in the 
form of a few irregular abbreviations, the form of the original having 
been slightly changed to suit the requirements of the typesetting 
machines. 

Objections to the strict ad literatim procedure offered themselves 
when it came to a copying of letter-book records. Such records are 
■ of course merely copies of official correspondence. They often abound 
in errors, due to the ignorance or carelessness of copyists. So numer- 
ous and so unwarranted, indeed, were the mistakes in spelling that the 
editor had misgivings about reproducing them. The rule for making 
exact transcripts had, however, been laid down and could not, even 
under sucli adverse conditions, be Jegitimatelv depai-ted from. 




JAMES S. CALHOUN. 



OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 



[CALHOUN TO CLAYTON/] 

Ante Room, 

Apl 3, 18Jt9. 
Sir, 

It is now probable that I may leave for Georgia on to-morrow 
morning.- And as I conceive it of great importance to have a Copy 
of all the Laws of the United States to take with me to New Mexico 
will you pardon me for enquiring, again, whether you can, with 
propriety, furnish them to me, together with Disurnell's Map, 1616? 
Respectfully 

J. S. Calhoun. 

[Related Correspondence.] 

[In connection with the establishment of the Santa Fe Ageacy, the two de- 
partmental letters here subjoined are instructive] 

1 B. I. A., M. L., Marcb and April, 1849. Presumably this letter was addressed to 
John M. Clayton of Delaware who served as Secretary of State under President Taylor 
from March 7, 1849 to July 22, 1850. 

2 This was preparatory to his taking up his work as United States Indian Agent at 
Santa F6. 

Upon the recommendation of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs [O. I. A., Report Book, 
No. 6, pp. 65, 14&-148] and at the direction of the President, acting under the discre- 
tionary power vested in him by the 4th section of the Act of .Tune .30, 1834, the Indian 
Agency at Council Bluffs had been transferred to Santa F6. 

The Act of June 30, 1834 was "An Act to provide for the organization of the depart- 
ment of Indian Affairs " and its 4th section reads as follows : 

" * * * And the President shall be and he is hereby authorized, whenever he may 
.ludge it expedient, to discontinue any Indian Agency, or to transfer the same, from the 
place or tribe designated by law, to such other place or tribe as the public service may 
require * * *." [4 U. S. Stat, at L., p. 736.] 

The immense territorial acquisition, ro&ulting from the Mexican war, called for a re- 
organization of the Indian service [see Medill to Marcy, November 30, 1848, O. I. A., 
Report Book, No. 6, p. 65] ; but Congress failed to make the necessary provisions for the 
same and, as a last resort, the method of agency transfer was called into requisition. 
The preliminary details of the transfer were quite complicated. 

Under existing law, the number of agencies was limited but that of sub-agencies un- 
limited. There were two Council Bluffs Indian establishments, a suhagency on the Iowa 
side of the Missouri River, accommodating " the united nations of Chippewa, Ottawa and 
Pottawatomie Indians," and an agency on the Nebraska side, at Bellevue. accommo- 
dating the Otoes and Missourias, the Pawnees, and the Omahas. Under the provisions 
of the Treaty of 1846 [Kappler, 11:558] "the united nation of Chippewa, Ottawa and 
Pottawatomie Indians " agreed " to remove to their new homes on the Kansas River, 
within two years from the ratification of the treaty." This discontinued the " Council 
Bluffs Sub-agency " and made it possible for the Indian Ofiice to meet the new needs of 
the Southwest by reducing the " Council Bluffs Agency " to a subagency and, that done, 
completing the number of agencies by erecting one at Santa F6. 

5021—15 1 



2 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

[ewing to medill"^] 

Depaetment of the Intebioe 

March 29th mO. 
Hon. Wm Medill 

Commissi Ind. Affairs 
Sib 

The President directs that the Indian Agency at Council Bluffs be removed 
to Santa Fe. You will. make out an order of removal accordingly. 

And you will prepare a Commission for James S. Calhoun of Georgia to be 
Indian Agent at Santa Fe. 
Very Respectfully 
Yours 

T. Ewing Secy 
[ewing TO MEDILL 2] 

Department of the Interior 

Washington 

S April 1849. 
Sir 

You may allow to the Indian Agents at the Salt Lake, in California and at 
Santa F6, in New Mexico, one year's salary in advance, each, and their travel- 
ling expenses from Saint Louis to the place of rendezvous. The necessary In- 
terpreters may be allowed $300. each, and perhaps even that is too small for 
the agency at Santa Fe. 

For contingencies, presents «&c. $1000. each, may be allowed and a reasonable 
sum for procuring the necessary statistical information. 

Similar proportionate amounts may be advanced to the Sub Agents at San 
Joachim and the Rio Gila, respectively. 

You will please also place in the hands of the Agent at Santa Fe $300, to be 

applied in searching for and obtaining the Mexican boy 

I wish this branch of the service to be well cared for, as the future action 
of the Department in our Indian Affairs depends upon its accuracy and extent. 
Very respectfully 
Your Obedient Servant 

T. Ewing 

Secretary 
William Medill Esq 

Commissioner of 

Indian Affairs 

^0. I. A., Santa F6 Agency, I 175. 
2 O. I. A., Salt Lake Agency, I 193J. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 3 

[MEDILL' TO CALHOUN.'] 

Office Indian Affairs. 

April 7th, 1849 
Calhoun Esqr James S 

Indian Agent. Santa Fe. 
Sir: 

I have the honor to enclose, herewith, a commission constituting- 
you Indian Agent at Santa Fe, to include the Indians at or in the 
Adcinity of that place, and any others that may hereafter be desig-^ 
nated by this Department.^ 

Your compensation will be at the rate of $1500 per annum, in full 
of salary and all emoluments whatever, to commence as soon after 
the execution of your bond as a notification can reach the person now 
holding the appointment and receiving the salary, advising him of 
the change which has been made in the location of the Agency and 
of the discontinuance of his services and salary. 

I enclose also the form of a bond to be executed by you in the penal 
sum of $5000, with two or more sureties, whose sufficiency must be 
certified by a United States District Judge or District Attorney. 

So little is known here of the condition and situation of the Indians 
in that region that no specific instructions, relative to them can be 
given at present; and the Department relies on you to furnish it with 
such statistical and other information as will give a just and full 
understanding of every particular relating to them, embracing the 
names of the tribes, their location, the distance between the tribes, 
the probable extent of territory owned or claimed by each respectively, 
and the tenure by which they hold or claim it; their manners and 
habits, their disposition and feelings towards the United States, 
Mexico and whites generally and towards each other, whether hostile 
or otherwise ; whether the several tribes speak different languages, and 
when different, the apparent analogies between them, and also what 
laws and regulations, for their government, are necessary, and how 
far the law regulating trade and intercourse with the Indian tribes, 
2. copy of which I enclose, will, if extended over that country, properly 
apply to the Indians there and to the trade and intercourse with 
them and what modification if any, will be required to produce the 
greatest degree of efficiency. 

You are authorized to employ one Interpreter, permanently, by the 
year, and such others from time to time as you may find necessary 



1 William Medill of Ohio served as Commissioner of Indian Affairs from October 28, 
1845 to June 30, 1849 inclusive. See O. I. A., Receipts for Salaries, Employees of Indian 
Office. 1846 to 1852. 

- O. I. A., L. B., No. 42, pp. 17-19 ; Special File, No. 2G. 

^ Calhoun's was a recess appointment. His qualifications for the position of Indian 
Agent at Santa F6 were probably his military experiences in the Southwest, his familiarity 
with the reg^ion, and his acquaintance with tlie Georgia delegation in Congress. 



4 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

in the discharge of your duties. As the hiw limits the compensation 
of interpreters to $300 per annum, that amount cannot be exceeded; 
but in the case of those employed temporarily, you will engage their 
services on the best terms you can and employ them for as short 
periods & as seldom as possible consistent with a proper discharge of 
your duties. 

You will be allowed a horse for yourself & one for your interpreter 
to be held as public property and accounted for as such. 

As you will doubtless avail yourself of the military escort ^ which 
will leave St. Louis shortly, funds will be placed in the hands of the 
Supt. of Indian Afi'airs at that place to be turned over to you.- 

The remote position of the scene of your operations has induced the 
Secretary of the Interior to authorize an advance of one years salary 
to yourself and your Interpreter together with other sums for other 
objects as follows viz : 

One years salary for yourself $1500.00 

One years salary for your Interpreter 300.00 

Pay of additional Interpreters 200. 00 

Contingent expenses, including Presents to Indians, purchase of two 
horses, forage for the same, house rent, fuel, stationery, eolieetion 
of statistical information &c &c, together with your travelling 

expenses to your agency 1500.00 

For the release of such Mexican captives ;.s may be found among the 
Indians and for which demand may be made on the government of 
the United States 300.00 

$3, 800. 00 

It has been represented to the Department that there is a Mexican 
boy in captivity among the Indians either in New Mexico or Cali- 
fornia, and for whose release the Mexican Minister has made a 
demand on this government but as the Department is as yet unac- 
quainted with the particulars of the case it W'ill be made the subject 
of a special communication to you, as soon as they can be ascertained. 

After obtaining all the information you can collect wdth regard to 
any captives you will report their names, ages, whether they are 
Mexicans or Americans, the length of time they haA'e been held in 
captivity, and if they are Mexicans whether they were taken prior 
to the termination of the war and treaty with Mexico or subsequently. 

In dispensing Presents to the Indians you will be as economical 
as possible and confine the disposition of them to cases where some 
important end is to be accomplished. 

1 See order of Secretary of War, p. 5. 

2Ewing to Medill. April lli, 184!), O. I. A.. St. Louis Supi-riiiteiideucy. I 120-2; L. R., 
No. 36, April 12, 1849: Medill to Superinteudent D. 1). Mitchell. April 12. 184!>, L. B., 
No. 42, p. 33. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 5 

You will report directly to this office and will lose no opportunity 
of doing so, as it is extremely desirable that the Department be kept 
well advised of the state of affairs in that region. 

I enclose blank forms to guide you in rendering your accounts, 
which must be done quarter yearly or as nearly so as possible. 

In rendering your accounts you will account for the money placed 
in your hands under the following heads of appropriation, viz: 

Pay of Superintendents and Indian ngents $1500.00 

Pay of Interpreters 500.00 

Contingencies, Indian Department 1800. 00 

$3, 800. 00 
I enclose copy of a communication ^ from Charles Bent Esq,* 
Governor of New Mexico, in which you will find a good deal of 
information that will be useful to you. 

W. M. 
P. S. I enclose a copy of the late treaty with Mexico, and also 
copies of the reports of Messrs Fremont,^ Emory,* Abert^ and 
Cook.« 

[Related Correspondence,] 

[order or SECRETARY OF AVAR.] 

[The following letter, recorded in A. G. O.. M. B. No. 29, pp. 129-130. shows 
that the War Department made timely provision for Calhoun's transportation:] 
Adjutant General. 

The following persons engaged in the public service in California and Oregon, 
are to be furnished by the proper Staff Officers with transportation and sub- 
sistence during their journey to their destination, viz: 

John Wilson, Indian, Agent, for California, with his family. 

James Collins, Collector at San Francisco. 

Jas. S. Calhoun. Indian Agent at Santa Fe. 

These gentlemen will furnish to the Quarter Master and Commissary, a list 
of persons attached to the public service under them, for whom also, transpor- 
tation and subsistence will be supplied. Arms will be issued to those of the 
party who may require them — to be turned over to an officer of the Army on 
reaching their destination, and the subsistence furnished under this order, is to 
be paid for at Government prices. 

1 rrobably the letter to Medill printed on pages 6-9. 

-Charles Rent was the man whom General Kearny appointed, under recognised 
authority, governor of New Mexico upon Ihe occasion of his own departure for California. 
Sop Bancroft. Illetory of Arizona and Now ^le-vico, p. 441. Governor Bent was assassi- 
nated by insurgents at Taos, January 19, 1847. See Twitchell, Leading Facts of New 
Mexican History. II, pp. 2.S3-2.'^5 and notes. 

■'' Fremont. .T. «'. K(>poit of tlie oxiiloriii" lOxpodition lo tlie Rocky Mountains. House 
Doc, 28th Cong., 2nd Sess., No. 166. 

* Emory, Lieutenant-Colonel W. II.. Notes on a Military Itoconiioissance from Fort 
Leavenworth to San Diego, 1846—47. House Ex. Doc, 30th Cong., 1st sess., No. 41, 
and Senate Ex. Doc, 30th Cong., 1st Sess.. No. 7, pp. .5-416. 

^ Abert, Lieutenant .1, W., Report of his Examination of New Mexico, 1846, 47. House 
Ex. Doc, 30th Cong., 1st Sess.. No. 41, pp. 417-54S. 

« Cooke, Lieutenant Colonel V. St. George, Report of Iiis March from Santa F6 to San 
Diego, Ibid., pp. 551-563. 



6 COEKESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN". 

A suitable escort from the Army will be fiiruisiied for the protection of the 
pa rties. 

Geo W Crawford. 
Secret ary of War. 
War Department 

April 3d. 18J,9 

[bent to MEDILL.^] 

Santa Fe New Mexico yov 10th IS'/G. 
Sib 

Having been appointed by Brig Genl Kearney, Governor of 
the Terry 

of New Mexico, and by virtue of that appointment ex officio. Superin- 
tendent of Indian Affairs, for said Territory, it becomes my duty to lay before 
you the following information in regard to tlie different tribes of Indians inhab- 
iting and frequenting this Territory 

First: I will mentioned the Apaches or Jicarillas a band of about 100 lodges 
or about 500 souls. The Jicarillas have no permanent residence, but roam 
through the northern settlements of New Mexico.— They are an indolent and 
cowardly people living principally by theft committed on the New Mexicans, 
there being but little game in the country, through which they range, and their' 
fear of other Indians not permitting them to venture upon the plains for Buffalo. 
Their only attempt at manufacture is a species of potter ware, capable of toler- 
able resistance to fire, and much used by them and the ^Mexicans for culinary 
purposes. This, they barter with the Mexicans for the necessaries of life, but 
in such small quantities as scarcely to deserve the name of traffic. The preda- 
tory habits of these Indians render them a great annoyance to the Mexicans 

Second : The apaches proper who range through the southern portion of this 
Territory, through the country of the Rio del Norte, and its tributaries, and 
westward about the headwaters of the river Gila. They are a warlike people, 
are about 900 lodges and from 5000 to 6000 souls; know nothing of agriculture 
or manufactures of any kind but live almost entirely by plundering the Mexican 
settlements. For many years past they have been in the habit of committing 
constant depredations upon the lives and aft property of the inhabitants of this 
and the ad.1oining territories and states from which they have carried off an 
incredible amount of stock of all kinds The only ai'ticle of food that grows in 
their general range is the Maguey plant and that spontaneously and in very 
small quantities. 

Several bands of the Apaches have for several years past received a bounty 
of so much per diem per head, from the Government of the state of Chihuahua, 
but still without having the intended effect of preventing them from plundering 
the inhabitants. 

Third : The Navajoes are an industrious intelligent and warlike tribe of 
Indians who cultivate the soil and raise sufficient grain for their own con- 
sumption and a variety of fruits. They are the owners of large flocks and 
herds of cattle, sheep, horses and mules and asses. It is estimated that the 
tribe possess 30000 head of horned cattle 500.000 sheep and 10.000 head of 
horses mules and asses, it not being a rare instance for one individual to 
possess 5000 to 10000 sheep and 400 to 500 head of other stock, and their 



1 Found in the Archives Division of the Adjutant-General's Office and in a book bearing 
the following memorandum : Old Book No. I. Bound as No. 5, Dep't New Mexico, A. G. O. 
It is to be found on pp. 25-33. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 7 

horses are said to be greatly superior to those raised by the Mexicans. Most 
of their stock has been acquired by marauding expeditions against the settle- 
ments of this Territory. They manufacture excellent coarse blankets and 
coarse woolen goods for wearing apparel They have no permanent villages or 
places of residence, but roam over the country between the river San Juan on 
the north and the waters of Jila on the south. The country between these 
two rivers is about 150 miles in width, consisting of high table mountains difB- 
cult of access and affording them as yet effective protection against their 
enemies. Water is scarce and difficult to be found by those not acquainted 
with the country, affording another difficult natural safeguard against invasions. 
Their numbers are variously estimated at from 1000 to 2000 families or from 
7000 to 14000 souls. The Navajoes so far as I am informed, are the only Indians 
on the continent having intercourse with white men, that are increasing in 
numbers. — 

They have in their possession many prisoners, men women and children taken 
from the settlements of this Territory whom they hold and treat as slaves. 

The Moquis are neighbours of the Navajoes and live in permanent villages, 
cultivate grain, and fruits and raise all the varieties of stock. They were for- 
merly a very numerous tribe in the possession of large stocks and herds but 
have been reduced in numbers and possessions by their more warlike neighbours 
and enemies the Navajoes. The Moquis are an intelligent and industrious 
people, their manufactures are the same as those of the Navajoes. They number 
about 350 families or about 2450 souls. 

The Y utas inhabit the country north of the Navajoes and west of the north- * 
ern settlements of this Department. They number 800 lodges and about 4000 to 
5000 souls. Their range extends from Navajo Country in latitude about 35° 
to 40° North. Their range of coiMitry is very mountainous and broken, abound- 
ing in wild game, deer, elk and bear, which serve them for food and raiment. 
They are a hardy, warlike people, subsisting by the chase, and several bands 
of them have been carrying on a predatory war with the New Mexicans for the 
last two years and killed and taken prisoner many of the people and driven ' 
off large amounts of stock. Since Genl Kearney's arrival, these Indians have ) 
sued for peace, and measures are now taking to effect a permanent treaty. 

The Cheyennes and Arrapahoes range through the country of the Arkansas 
and its tributaries on the north of this Department. They live almost entirely 
on the Buffalo, and carry on a considerable trade, both with the Mexicans and 
Americans, in Buffalo robes, for which they obtain all the necessaries not 
derived from the Buffalo. They are a roving people and have for many years 
been on friendly terms with the New Mexicans. 

The Arappahoes number about 400 lodges 2000 souls. The Cheyennes 300 
lodges 1500 souls. 

East of the mountains of New Mexico, range the Comanches, a numerous and 
warlike people subsisting entirely by the chase. Their different bands number 
in all, about 2500 lodges or 12000 souls. They have been at peace for many 
years with the New Mexicans but have carried on an incessant and destructive 
war with the Department of Chihuahua, Durango and Coahuila from which 
they have carried off and still hold as slaves a large amettftt number of women 
and children, and immense herds of horses, mules and as.ses 

The Kayuguas range through a part of the snnie country and are similar in 
their habits and customs and are considered a more brave people than the 
Comanches. They number about 400 lodges or 2000 souls 

Below I give you a tabular statement of the population of the tribes of In- 
dians ranging the country within the Territory of New Mexico and on its 



100 lodges 


500 


souls 


8-900 


do 


5500 


do 


200 


do 


1400 


do 


600 


do 


3000 


do 


1000 


do 


7000 


do 


350 


do 


2450 


do 


2500 


do 


12000 


do 


400 


do 


2000 


do 


300 


do 


1500 


do 


400 


do 


1600 


do 



8 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

< borders, made up from the most reliable information I have been able to obtain 
during a residence of many years in New Mexico and its vicinity 

, Apaches or Jacarilla 
Apaches proper 
I'utas (Southern) 
Yutas (Grand & Yu-uinte rivers) 
Navajoes 
Moguls 
Oamanches 
Kayuguas 
I Cheyennes 
Arappahoes 

Total 36, 950. 

1 You \A'ill perceive by the above statement that since New Mexico has become 
a Territory of the United States nearly 40000 Indians will fall under the im- 
mediate sui^erintendence of the U. S. Government, and it becomes a subject 
, of serious inii)ort, how the numerous and savage tribes are to be controlled 
and managed. And as it becomes my duty by virtue of my office to lay before 
you all the information I possess, in regard to these tribes of Indians, I will also 
1 venture to make a few suggestions for your consideration — 

Agents and subagents are absolutely necessary for the regulation and con- 
trol of the various tribes of Indians above named. 

A very desirable effect might be produced upon the Indians by sending a 
delegation from each tribe to Washington. They have no idea at this time of 
the power of the United States and have been so long in the habit of waging 
war and committing depredations against the Mexicans with impunity, that they 
still show a disposition to continue the same kind of warfare, now that the 
Territory is in possession of the United States I am convinced that a visit to 
our capital of some of the principal men of each of these nations, would secure 
future peace and quiet to the inhabitants of this Territory. 

I would also suggest the propriety of sending with this delegation of un- 
s civilized Indians, a deputation from the ' Pueblo ' or civilized Indians who are 
by law citizens of this Territory and of the United States 
very 

They compose a considerable portion of the population of New Mexico 

and if excited so to do might cause a good deal of difficulty here 

A small expense in this matter on the part of our Government, now, might be 
the means of avoiding blood shed hereafter. 

You are doubtless avi^are that presents of goods are indispensable in all 
friendly communications with Indians. I would respectfully suggest the neces- 
sity of Goods of that kind or the means wherewith to purchase them, being 
placed at the disposition of the Superiuteuclent of Indian Affairs for this 
Territory. 

I deem it highly necessary to establish stockade Forts in the Yuta and 
Nabajo countries with sufficient troops to keep these in check, and from mak- 
ing their long accustomed inroads upon the Territory, one also at some suit- 
able point on the Arkansas River, for the purpose of protecting travellers, be- 
tween this Territory and Missouri and the settlements that may extend in that 
direction, and from the Indians of that vicinity 

Another establishment of the kind should be located in the Southern part of 
this Territory to serve as a safeguard against both the Apaches and Mexicans, 
who it may be confidently expected, will continue to make inroads upon the 



COKEESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. " 9 

Territory from that quarter for many years to come I neglected to mention 
in the proper phice that Col A. W. Doniphan received orders from Genl Kearney 
before leaving the Territory for California, to march his regiment against the 
Navajoes. Overtures of peaces had been made to them without effect. They 
have continued their depredations up to the time Genl Kearney, after leaving 
Santa Fe wrote to me, advising that full permission should be given to the 
citizens of New Mexico, to march in independent companies against these In- 
dians, for the purpose of making reprisals, and for the recovery of property 
and prisoners. In conformity with his suggestion, I issued a proclamation to 
that effect. 

Cor Doniphan left here a few days ago with his command for the Nabajo 
Country and I feel confident, that with the aid of the auxiliary war parties, 
he will soon compel the nation to sue for peace, and to make restitution of 
property and prisoners taken since the entrance of American forces on the 
ISth August last 

In conclusion I earnestly solicit your full and particular instructions on the 
subject of the trilies of Indians referred to in this communication, at your 
earliest convenience, by so doing you will greatly oblige. 
Your obedient Servant 

[Charles Bent?] 

Honble Medill 

Commissioner of Indian Affairs. 

[CALHOUN TO CRAWFORD.'] 

^ Chattanooga Tennessee April 17 181^9 
Sir 

Before leaving Washington, I understood you to say, you would 
cause to be issued the necessary orders for the Transportation, arms 
&c I would require in going to Santa Fe — The Commissioner of In- 
dian Affairs, I suppose now ^ of your department, called upon me 
for the information necessary to justify orders. I gave it to him^ 
eight less than I Avill have with me — Fourteen are now here — and 
six are to join me at St Louis — This morning while at breakfast in 
Dalton Georgia, I received a letter from Genl. John Wilson,* Indian 
Agent at Salt Lake, informing me that it was necessary I should 
" address a paper " to each particular Bureau, making known to them 
what will be absolutely necessary — 

The foregoing is written for the purpose of explaining to a'ou why 
I have sent to the different Bureaus the requisitions alluded to 

1 George W. Crawford of Georgia must have been the recipient of this letter since he 
smcocflfd Wm. L. Marcy of New York as Secretary of War and entered upon the duties 
of the office, March 14, 1849. 

- A. G. O., Files, C 86 of 1849. See also entry for April 27, 1840, in A. G. O., R. L. R., 
No. 69. 

3 The Home, or Interior Department, had been created under Act of March 3, 1849 
(9 U. S. Stat, at L., 395), and the Office of Indian Afifairs had been transferred, as a 
Bureau, to it from the War Department. (See sec. 5.) 

* John Wilson had been appointed United States Indian agent at " the Salt Lake, 
California." He travelled across the plains In the summer of 1849, at about the same 
time Calhoun did, and his account of the journey is highly interesting. It is found In his 
letter to Secretary Ewing under date of December 22, 1849. O. I. .^., San .Joachim Sub- 
Agency, W 420. 



IV COERESPONDEISrCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

above — and under the impression that Genl. Wilson has misappre- 
hended the matter — I go to St, Louis with all dispatch — where I 
hope to hear from you 

I am Sir 

With great respect 
Your obt Svt 

James S. Calhoun 
Secty of War Indian Agent 

Washington City at 

Santa Fe. 

[CALHOUN TO EWING.'] 

Chattanooga Tennessee - April 17, 181^9 
Sir 

I am here on my way to St Louis, and will speed forward with all 
practicable despatch — I have with me, fourteen persons — all told — 
four females among them of my family — Six others will join me at 
St. Louis — 

From Independence I shall have with me twenty bold & enterpris- 
ing adventurers — several of whom served in the war against Mex- 
ico — as Volunteers under my command ^ — these young gentlemen will 
do faithful service in Mexico — For them I desire arms &c «S;c — I 
have asked for rations and transportation for Baggage for twenty, 
not less than fourteen — the number now with me — I would be glad 
to include the gentlemen refered to above — for I regard them as abso- 
lutely necessary to the entire success of my efforts to discharge my 
duties in New Mexico — 

The Commissioner of Indian affairs, Col. Medill — required of me a 
memorandum of the number of my family before I left Washington, 
to the end, as I understood, to have the necessary orders issued from 
the proper Bureaus — I gave the number twelve two others have come 
with me — I mention these matters to say this morning at the moment 
of my departure for this place, I received a letter from Genl. John 
Wilson, saying it was necessary to address separate papers to each 
Bureau — for arms &c, rations and transportation — I have done so 
in general terms — I have only to inquire whether it would be im- 
proper to cause orders to issue in general terms to the proper officers 

1 Thomas Ewing of Ohio was appointed first Secretary of the Interior Department. 
President Taylor nominated him and he served from March 7, 1849 to July 25, 1850. 
Members of the Ewing family were very largely interested in the Santa F6 trade. 

2 O. I. A., Santa F6 Agency, C 300. 

3 In connection with this somewhat obscure matter, the letters on pages 11-1.3 are 
elucidating. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 11 

to furnish arms — transportation & rations upon my requisition to 
such only as should be present — 

I hope to hear from you at St. Louis — 

Wishing you entire success in the administration of your depart- 
ment — 

I have the honor to be 

Yr obt svt James S. Calhoun 

[ Related Corresp ondence. ] 

[mARCY TO JONES.^] 

Washington City. 
Decemher 10' iS.}7. 
Jones. John A. Esq 

Milled geviUe, Georgia. 
Sir, 

I liave received your letter of the 24' ultimo respecting tbe appointment of 
Capt. J. S. Calhoun to the command of the Georgia Battalion. The appoint- 
ment of the officers of the battalion rested, under law, entirely with the Gov- 
ernor of Georgia. Captain Calhoun had several times tendered to this Depart- 
ment his services to raise volunteers, and had been recommended by letters from 
the Hon. W. T. Colquitt, A. Iverson, John H. Lumpkin and Seaborn Jones, 
speaking highly of his character, intelligence, influence and military zeal. 
On this account when the next requisition was made on the State of Georgia, 
the following paragraph was added with regard to Captain Calhoun. 

"As pressing application has been made to accept a regiment proposed to be 
raised by Captain J. S. Calhoun of your State, it is deemed not improper for 
the Department to apprise you of the fact and to express a wish, as he has 
seen service, that it may not be inconsistent with your views to aid in bringing 
liini into service again with this battalion. 
^'ery respectfully. Your Obt Serv 

W. L. Marcy 

Secretary of War 

[CALHOUN AND OTHERS TO 2] 

CUERNAVACA. MEXICO 

March 29th. JS-'fS. 
Sir, 

The uiKlersigned desiring to continue in the Military Service of the United 
States, and from an association in said service, having the fullest confidence 
in each other, and beleiving the best interests of the country may be promoted 
thereby, they respectfully submit, should it be deemed advisable by the Presi- 
dent of the United States, to raise an additional Mounted Rcffiment, for New 
Mexico — the Californias — or any other place. Volunteers or Regulars, ih^y pledg- 
ing themselves, within ninety days after the disbanding of the Volunteers now 
in service, to raise and have ready for effective service, a full regiment for one. 
two, three, four, or five years — as may be desirable — 

lA. G. O., M. B., No. 28, p. 166. 

=A. G. 0., Files, Inclosuros of P 2^0 of 1S4S. 



12 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

This tender, or suggestion, is made, upou the sole condition, that the under- 
signed are to be the three principal Chiefs, in the order in the order in which 
their signatures are hereunto appended— 

To you we are each known — Col Iverson will speak to you in behalf of Capt 
Goulding— Capt. Hamilton— the son of your old friend, Dr Hamilton of Cass 
County, you will remember. Lt. Col. Calhoun and Capt. Goulding have been 
in service, now, near two years.— This is Capt. Hamilton's first campaign: 
but tee think we understand the duties of the positions we ask to be assigned 
to us, and that we can discharge them with credit to ourselves, and with benefit 
to the country — 

We respectfully request you to make known to the President of the TTnited 
States the contents of this communication, and, we have the honor to be 
Your very obt. Servts. 

J. S. Calhoun 
Lt. Col Comdg. Mtd. Bat. Geo. Vols. 
E R Goulding 
Capt Comdg Camp "A" Mtd Bat Geo Vols 
C V Hamilton 
Capt. Comdg Corny. "5" Mt. Batt. Ga Vols. 

[HARALSON TO THE PRESIDENT^] 

Ho Reps. U. S. J2th May ms. 
Sib, 

As the best means of complying with the request in the last paragraph of 
the accompanying communication I forward to you the paper as I received it. 
With great respect &c. 

H. A. Haralson 
The President of the United States 

[mARCY TO HARALSON ^] 

War Department. 
Washington August 21. tSJfS 
Sir, 

The President referred to this Department your letter of the 12" of May, 
enclosing a proposit'on of the oflicers of the Georgia Mounted Batt.-ilion, to 
recruit a battalion for service in California. At that time it was not known 
precisely what arrangements would be adopted respecting the force to be em- 
ployed in the Western territories and no satisfactory answer could be given 
to the offer. You are now aware that there is no necessity or authority for 
the employment of an additional volunteer force. 

Very respectfully, Your Obt Serv W. L. Marcy 

Srcrctdrii of War 
Hon H. A. Haralson 

Lagrange, Geoiigia. 

~* lA. G. O., Files, P 256 of 1848. 

2A. O. O., M. R.. No. 28, p. ?,7o ; Inclosure of P 256 of 1848. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 13 

[CALHOl'N TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR ^] 

Columbus, Georgia 

yon: 25th 1S',S. 
Sir. 

It occurs to me, tlint a Mounted Regiment of Dragoons will be required, at 
no distant day, for service in New Mexico and California. 

This is to repeat, what I have said to you, and to others, that in sixty d:iys. 
if not in less time, I can raise a Regiment. One thousand Strong, and desire 
to engage in that Service — In order to render siich a Regiment effective, and 
not to interfere with existing arms of the public defence, I am inclined to the 
opinion, it should be, to a certain extent. indei>endent in its organization, so 
far as all its officers are concerned — This will secure harmony, and if it can 
be so organized, we are ready to enlist for two. three, four, or five yeai-s — ready 
to assume an armed occupation, and to 

range it the country named in every direction — Capt, Gouldiug, who again 
unites with me in this tender of our survices. agrees with me, that a Battalion 
could be put en route for New Mexico and California in less than sixty days. 
With great respect. 

Your obt Servt, • 

J, S. Calhoun 
late Lt. dn. Comdg Mtd. But. (leo. Vols. 
Skc'rktary of War 

Washington City. 

[mARCY TO CALHOUN "] 

War Dep.\rtmf.nt, 

Washington, Deer. 7. 18-',S. 
Sir, 

In reply to your letter of the 25. ultimo I have the honor to state that the 
Executive has no authority to accept the services of the regiment which you 
offer to raise for service in California. 

Very respectfully Your Obed. Servt, W. L. M.\rcy — 

Secretary of War 
Calhoun, J. S. Esq, 

Columbus, 

Georgia. 

[CALHOUN TO MEDILL, ] 

[May 17. 1^40. the riuliaii OfHco ivcoived a coiiiuninication witli- 
out date from Calhoun, It covered his official bond and a notice 
that K. B, Alexander and D. McDoiii>:ald would he his sureties. It 
was sent to the Secretary the day of its receipt. See II. Bfe. No. 6 
p. 178 and L. B. Xo. 42, p. 237. It was returned with objections. 
May 18. 1849. O. I. A. Santa Fe Agency. I 230. Ewino's objections 
were embodied by Brown in his letter of July 1<>, 1840. L. B. Xo. 
42, p. 237.] 

'A. (i. O.. Files, O 4:iT of I S4S, 
-A, (i. O.. M. H,. Xo. -JS. p, -404, 



14 COREESPOXDEXCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

[CALHOUN TO CRAWFORD,'] 

Camp six miles west of Kaw kivj:k 

May 2%d. 181^0. 
Sir 

This is the fourth day we have been at this place and the third 
of the halt by order of Genl. Brooke - — Wliy it is so, we can not tell. 
We have rumors of Canadian outbreaks, that possibly may require 
to be looked to by the military arm of our Government — We also 
have a rumor in our Camp that Indian hostilities against Americans 
New Mexicans and all emigrants have been commenced by the 
Apaches, Nabojos, Comanches & others combined — The truth in rela- 
tion to the foregoing matters, is better known at Washington than 
here — Upon this subject I addressed a note to the Secty of the In- 
terior commenced on yesterday — Will you see the Secty ? 

The foregoing is promised that I may say, as early as Decemher 
18Ji7 — I offered my services to raise a mounted regiment to serve 
East, West, North, or South for two, three, four, or five years.^ I 
renewed the proposition twice in March 1848 and again in August 
1848 — and now I mention it again in view of the possibility that cir- 
cumstances may prevent my executing the wishes of the Administra- 
tion in the capacitj^ in which I go to New Mexico — I do not wish to 
be idle, and so I have said to Mr Ewing by the mail that will convey 
this to you — Should troops be desired, such as I have alluded to I 
beg to say, that the tide of emigration will favor an early filling up 
of such a regiment — 

On the subject allow me to say, the troops I desire to raise it is 
desired should have an independent organization — Volunteers if you 
please, subjected as a matter of course to the rules & regulations of 
the service. In this way I can raise a large force, and secure for 
New Mexico a desirable population — I will now add the impression 
is, a larger number of troops will be wanting in New Mexico and 
Calafornia than the Government can send there from the Army as 
now organized^ — I regret the idea is so prevalent, that desertion Avill 
thin the ranks to an unusual extent. 

Take the foregoing suggestions for what you may think them 
worth, and remember, if I cannot be profitably employed in execut- 
ing the commands of the government in New Mexico, with the per- 
mission of those who have the power to grant the authority, I can, 
and will, at an early moment raise a regiment — one thousand strong — 



1 a. G. O., C 122 of 1849. See also entry for .Tune 11, 1849. A. G. O., R. L. R. No. (50. 

2 George Mer -er Brooke who rendered distinguished service in the second war with 
Great Britain ;inil also in the war with Mexico. He died, March 9, 1851. 

* The only dot^umentary evidence of this, extant in the United States archives, seems to 
be the letter i)f Secretary of War, W. L. Marcy, to .John A. .Tones of Milledsevillc, Georijia, 
December lo, 1847, M. B. No. 28. p. HiB. 



COERESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 15 

have it duly organized — put in motion — and which shall render as 
good service as any troops to be found anywhere — 
I am 

dear Sir 

Your very obt Svt 

James S. Calhoun. 
Hon. 

Secretary of War 

Washington City 
D.G. 

[CALHOUN TO MEDILL.'] 

28 M. W. OF Ft. Lea\^n worth 

May 2If, 18^9. 
Sir, 

I write only to repeat what I addressed to you two or three days 
ago, that we are still halted at this point, awaiting orders from Genl. 
Brooke, from whom we have no certain intelligence as to his arrival — 
and when he does arrive, in consequence of the feebleness of our oxen, 
our progress must be slow. For obvious reasons this state of things 
is to be regretted, for I apprehend it is important that I should be 
at Santa Fe at the earliest practicable moment. 
I am 

with great respect 

Your obt. Servt. 

J. S. Calhoun 
In. Agt. 

Santa Fe. 
To the Commissioner of Ind. Aff. 

This note was written to the Sec. of the Int before I remembered 
it should be addressed to you. 

J. s. c. 

[BROWN TO CALHOUN/ &C.] 

Office Indian Affairs 

July 13, 18Ji9. 
Circular to Agents c& Sub Agents 

of Indian department. 

Sir: 

I herewith inclose you forms for a census of the Indian tribes of 
the United States, which you are requested, with the aid of your 
interpreter, to fill up for the Indians under your charge, and return 
to this office at the earliest possible time. It is desirable to do this 

1 O. I. a., Santa F6 Agency, C 317. 
2L. B., No. 42, pp. 2.S1-232. 



16 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

without alarniino- the prejudices of the tribes, and with this view to 
give it, as much as possible, the air of an ordinary business trans- 
action, in which it is their interest, as it is believed on all hands to be. 
to give you every proper aid. The object has been much misappre- 
hended heretofore by portions of the tribes, and in some instances, by 
the Agents. But the general success of the measure, and its absolute 
importance to a correct understanding of the condition of the tribes 
and the just and ready administration of their affairs, is such as to 
induce the office to press it, to completion. Were it otherwise how- 
ever, the act is imperative, and makes it the duty of every agent to 
exert himself to the utmost. 

These forms have been prepared for the most advanced class of 
tribes, and such queries are inserted as to bring out all the requisite 
classes of facts wanted for the investigation. To do this efficiently 
and well the statistics of ''families ■' have been called for. But it may 
be impracticable to extend this degree of scrutiny to tribes who are 
still simply in the hunter state — who rove a great part of the year 
from place to place, without fixed habitations and who have, in fact 
few or no animals and little or no agriculture. In the latter case, 
it will only be necessary to denote the facts or deficiencies in the 
forms, crossing or dashing the blanks in the queries; but still giving 
as many details as you can, to enable the department to judge of the 
true state, condition and prospects of the tribe. It is recommended in 
all cases, where the returns by faTnilies cannot be given, and estimates 
are resorted to, that you take up the tribe by its natural village, bands 
or divisions under separate chiefs, which can be afterwards concen- 
trated for the whole tribe. It is seldom that the number of lodges 
cannot be given, even in the wildest bands, and from those who re- 
ceive annuities the old pay rolls & schedules cannot fail to afford 
some important light. * 

It is the duty of all the subordinates about your Agency, and of 
persons in the pay or countenance of the government, to aid you in 
these investigations. But the department relies chiefly, for success. 
upon your personal influence with the Indians and your ability and 
promptitude in secondino- its views. 

O. B. 

[BROWN TO CALHOUN.'] 

Office Indian Affairs 

July 16. 18Jf9. 
Calhoun Esq Jas. 8. (Ind Agt. Santa Fe) 

care of D I) Mitchell Esq. St. Louis Mo 
Sir: 

I have had the honor to receive your official bond as Indian Agent 
at Santa Fe. On examination I find it is defective in several particu- 

1 L. B., No. 42, p. 237. 



COERESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 17 

lars — viz: The omission to fill in the names of the sureties in the 
body of the bond, the date of its execution and of the oath of office — 
and also the official character of the officer who certifies the sufficiency 
of the security — These defects must be supplied and I therefore en- 
close the form of a new bond to be executed by you and forwarded 
to this office with as little delay as possible In the meantime the 
bond forwarded bv vou will be retained and placed on file 

O B.i 

[CALHOUN TO MEDILL.'] 

No. 1. 

In Camp near Santa Fe 

July 29 m9 
Sir. 

You are already advised of my departure from Ft Leavenworth 
on the 16" of May, and I have now to inform you that we reached 
Santa Fe on the 22d of the present month, having been employed 
in marching forty nine days: our halting days numbering nineteen, 
the greater portion of which was six miles west of Kaw River, in 
obedience to an order issued by Genl, Brook to Col. Alexander com- 
manding the Troops. This you will perceive is the eighth day in 
camp at this place, not having been able to procure quarters else- 
where. I have the promise, however, of an adobe building at the 
enormous rent of $100 pr month, to which an additional expenditure 
must be made to americanize it so that it may be inhabited with any 
degree of comfort. This excessive rent I was compelled to submit 
to, or remain in camp. All the buildings in Santa Fe are of mud, 
with floors and covering for the roof of the same material. Until 
our Government established a saw mill, near this place, sawed lum- 
ber could not be had at any price. Since then, it has been sold as 
high as $80 pr M. 

The foregoing statement of facts is submitted to the department 
to explain the apparent tardiness of n^y movements and the extrava- 
gent, if not unusual and unreasonable expenditures to be incurred, 
and altogether unavoidable in Santa Fe. Before the meeting of 
the ensuing Congress I hope to be able to communicate to the depart- 
ment information more precise and in detail on this subject. While 
en route, and during the few days I have been in camp here, I have 
omitted no opportunity, that has offered to procure such informa- 
tion, as might enable me to execute discreetly, the important trusts 
confided to me by the President of the United States. ' The obstacles \^ 

1 Orlando Brown was Commissioner of Indian Affairs from July ], 1849 to June 30, 
1850 inclusive. See 0. I. A., Receipts for Salaries, Employees of Indian Office, 1846 to 
1852. 

2 O. I. A., Santa F6 Agency, C 338. 

5021—15- 2 



18 COKEESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

to be overcome in adjusting our Indian relations in New Mexico, and 
its borders, are of a much more formidable character than has been 
anticipated. At and near the Arkansas Crossing, we found several 
thousand Indians of various tribes assembled, awaiting the return 
of Mr. Fitzpatrick^ from Washington.^ Their expectations in rela- 
tion to presents to be received by them, on the return of Mr Fitz- 
patrick, were so extravagant as to cause emigrants, and others to 
have fearful apprehensions on account of those, who were expected 
\ to be on the plains after the 15 of July, the day named by the Indians 
for the return of Mr Fitzpatrick. Being ignorant of Mr. Fitz- 
patrick's authority to enter into stipulations ^ with these Indians, 
j and his means to quiet their expectations, I did not feel at liberty 
i to communicate with them in my official capacity. The Arapahoes, 
Cheyennes, Keoways, Comanches & Utahs were the principal tribes 
in lodges at the Arkansas Crossing. It will be readily perceived, if 
I it were practicable at this time to visit the tribes in this territory, 
I and in its borders, the influence which a government agent should 
exercise over being, guided chiefly by animal instincts would be 
j completely ineffective, were I to attempt it without definite infor- 
, mation in relation to what Mr Fitzpatrick may have accomplished. 

Without visiting them, the information, precise, and definite, which 
I am instructed to lay before the Department cannot be accurately 
gathered. Yet the nearest possible and reliable approximation shall 
be transmitted at an early day. The Pueblo Indians, it believed are 
entitled to the early, and especial consideration of the government 
of the United States. They are the only tribe in perfect amity with 
the government, and are an industrious, agricultural, and pastoral 
people, living principally in villages, ranging North and West of Taos 
South, on both sides of the Kio Grande, more than two hundred and 
fifty miles. By a Mexican statute these people, as I am informed by 
Judge Houghton * of Santa Fe, to whom I am greatly indebted for 
much valuable information, were constituted citizens of the Kepublic 
of Mexico, granting to all of mature age, who could read and write 
the privilege of voting. But this statute has had no practical opera- 
tion. Since the occupancy of this territory by the government of the 
United States the Territorial Legislature of 1817 passed the follow- 

1 Thomas Fitzpatrick, Uniterl States Indian Agent for the upper regions of the Platte. 
See Thwaites' Early Western Travels, XXl : 192, note. In 1848, Fitzpatrick made an 
interesting report on the Indian tribes along the Santa F€ trail. It is published as an 
accompanying document to the Report of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs for 1848. 

2 See Brown to Fitzpatrick, August 16, 1849. L. B. No. 42, pp. 294-296. 

3 Thomas Fitzpatrick in conjunction with Superintendent D. D. Mitchell negotiated the 
Treaty of Fort Laramie, 1851, for the protection of the routes of travel to California and 
Oregon. See Kappler, Indian Affairs, Laws and Treaties, II, pp. 594-596. 

* Under the Kearny regime in New Mexico, or the so-called Kearny Code, Joab Houghton 
had been appointed one of the three .iudges of the superior court. See Bancroft, History 
of Arizona and New Mexico, p. 426, n. 21 ; also. House Doc, 29th Cong., 2d sess.. No. 19, 
p. 26, and Senate Ex. Doc, 32d Cong., 1st sess., No. 71, pp. 4-5. 



COEEESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 19 

ing- act — which is now in force, Be it enacted by the General Assembly 
of the Territory of NeAV Mexico. Sec. I. That the inhabitants within 
the Territory of New Mexico known by the name of Pueblo Indians^ 
and living in Towns or Villages built on lands granted to such. 
Indians by the laAvs of Spain or Mexico, and conceding to such 
inhabitants certain land and privileges, to be used for the common 
benefit, are severally hereby created and constituted, bodies politic 
and corporate, and shall be known in law by the name of the " Puebla 
de (naming it) and by that name they and their successors shall 
have perpetual successions, sue & be sued &c &c. 

These Indians are anxious to have schools established amongst 
them and to receive agricultural information, which if granted on a 
liberal scale, could not fail to produce marked and beneficial results, 
not only upon them, but upon all of the tribes of the territory. So 
soon as it may be attempted with propriety, it is my intention to visit 
the principal villages of this tribe that I may from personal obser- 
vation ascertain their true state and condition, and from them glean 
such information as they may be able to afford in relation to other 
tribes. At present it is the opinion of Col. Washington,^ the Mili- 
tary commander of this division, that any attempt to conciliate the 
tribes who have caused the recent and present troubles in this terri- 
tory, would have a very injurious tendency. The Indians presuming 
upon their knowledge of safe retreats in the mountains, and our 
entire ignorance of all avenews, except established military roads and 
well known trails, are not to be subjected to just restraints until they 
are properly chastised. When they shall feel themselves so chastised, 
thev will sue for peace, and it is respectfully suggested, that the 
government of the United States ought to be prepared to meet them 
without delay. It may not be amiss to invite for a moment the atten- 
tion of the Department to, perhaps, the very gravest subject connected 
with our Indian affairs in this territory. 

There are wandering tribes, who have never cultivated the soil, and 
supported 
have themselves alone by depredations. This is the only 

labor known to them. The thought of annihilating these Indiana 
can not be entertained by an American public — Nor can the Indians 
abandon their predatory incursions, and live and learn to support 
themselves by the sweat of their own brows unsustained by a liberal 
philanthropy — This subject — I humbly conceive, should engage the^ 
earnest and early consideration of the Congress of the United States, 



1 Lieutenant Colonel John Macrae Washington assumed the duties of military governor 
in New Mexico, October 11, 1848. He fought in the war with Mexico and was promoted 
for gallant conduct at the battle of Buena Vista. Several of his letters relative to New 
Mexican affairs arc published in House Ex. Doc, 31st Cong., 1st sess., No. 5, Pt. 1, pp. 
lOi-11.5. 



20 COEEESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

for it is respectfully submitted, that no earthly power can prevent 
robberies and murders, unless the hungry wants of these people are 
provided for, both physically and mentally. 
I am, with great respect 

Your obt. Servt James S. Calhoun 



Indian Agent 

S. F. 



Col. Medill 

Comr. of (&c. 



[CALHOUN TO MEDILL ^] 

Xo. -2. 

Santa Fe, New ^Iexico. 

August 15. 1849. 
Sir. 

I had hoped by the mail of to-day to have transmitted to you some 
agreeable intelligence — the Utah Indians promised to come in for 
the purpose of sueing for peace, they have disappointed us. On to- 
morrow we leave for the Navajoe territory, intending to return by 
way of the Utah Country. 

The Indians, generally, are in bad temper — the number of Troops 
are not sufficient here to keep upon them a proper check, and In- 
fantry are useful only to protect posts— stations — and property. 
Mounted troops are the only military order of this country that can 
be effectively used against the Indian tribes of this remote region. 
Col. Washington goes in person in command of the expedition. 
With great respect 

I am Your obt servt James S. Calhoun 

Indian Agt. Santa Fe 
Col. W. Medill. 

Comi' of Afs (&c 

i [CALHOUN TO medill ■'] 

Xo.3. 

Santa Fe, Xew Mexico. 

Sej)tr25th.m9. 
Sir: With this note I transmit to you a copy of a treaty.^ the 
character of which will be elucidated bv a reference to it. 



1 O. I. A., Santa F^ Agency, C 346. 

2 0. I. A., Santa Fe Agency, C 356. Filed in File-box, "Treaties, Copies." Also to be 
found, printed, among the documents transmitted to Congress along with President 
Taylor's Message, January 21, 1850 (see Richardson, Messages and Papers of the Presi- 
dents, V, pp. 26-30) in answer to House Resolution, December 1, 1849. (House Ex. Doc, 
31^' Cong., 1st sess., No. 17, p. 202.) 

3 McLaws' commnnicatiou to Ker February 3, 1850, A. G. O., Old Book. No. 2. p. 22. 
gives some idea as to how the terms of the treaty were complied with. 



COERESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN, 21 

With GoA'ernor Washingrton^ and others I returned to Santa Fe 
on the afternoon of the 23d instant. 

Durinji the expedition against the Xavajoes my health was all that 
I could desire ; but I am seriously threatened this morning, resulting, 
as I suppose from occupying a room where the air is more confined 
than I have been accustomed to of late. T trust, however, my re- 
cuperative energies will come to the rescue in time to enable me to 
make you a more elaborate report before our mail is ordered to the 
United States. 

I have no communication from the Department of the Interior of a 
later date than the 14th of May last. 

Is it possible that no plan can be adopted to remedy the want of 
mail facilities of which we now complain? 
I am, 

With great respect, 

Your obt. Servt. 

James S. Calhoun, 

Indian Agent, 

Santa Fe. 
W. Medill. Esq.. 

Com'' of Indian Affairs, Washington city 
P. S. The great canon, which we have spelt " cheille " in the 
treaty, is pronounced " chey ". I am not at all satisfied as to the cor- 
rect spelling, nor have I yet met with any one who could enlighten 
me in reference thereto. J. S. C. 

[Inclosure] 

COPY OF A TREATY. BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND THE 
NAVAJO TRIBE OF INDIANS. 

The following acknowledgements, declarations, and stipulations 
have been duly considered and are now solemnly adopted and pro- 
claimed by the undersigned : that is to say, John M. Washington, 

^ Colonel Washington seems to have taken charge of the original of the treaty. See 
this letter : 

Office Indian Affairs, 

February 16th, 1850. 
Hon. Thomas Ewing 

Secretary 0/ the Interior. 
Sir: 

On the 0th of September last, a treaty was made with the Navajo Indians in New 
Mexico, by Col. Washington, and ,1. S. Calhoun. Indian Agent, a copy of which was sent 
by the latter to this office. — The original, it is presumed, was sent by Col. Washington 
to the War Department, as the treaty is published with the documents accompanying the 
late annual report of the head of that I>epartmcnt. I would respectfully suggest whether 
application should not be made for it to be laid before the Senate by the President, as in 
the case of all other treaties with Indians. 

Very &c O. B. 

[O. I. A., R. B., No. 6, p. 279.] 



22 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

Governor, of New Mexico, and Lieut. Col. Commanding the troops of 
the United States in New Mexico, and James S. Calhoun, Indian 
Agent, residing at Santa Fe, in New Mexico, representing the United 
States of America, and Mariano Martinez, Head Chief, Chapitone, 
second cheif, on the part of the Navajo Tribe of Indians. 

1 

The said Indians do hereby acknowledge that by virtue of a treaty 
•entered into by the United States of America, and the United Mexican 
States, Signed on the second day of February in the year of our Lord, 
Eighteen Hundred and Forty Eight at the city of Guadalupe Hidalgo 
by N P Trist of the first part, and Luis G. Cuevas, Bernardo Conto, 
and Migl Atristain of the second part, the said tribe was lawfully 
placed under the exclusive jurisdiction and protection of the Govern- 
ment of the said U States, and that they are now, and will forever 
remain under the aforesaid jurisdiction and protection. 



That from and after the signing of this Treaty, hostilities between the 
contracting parties shall cease, and perpetual peace and friendship 
shall exist, the said tribe hereby solemnly covenanting that they will 
not associate with, or give countenance or aid to any tribe or band of 
Indians, or other persons or powers who may be at any time, at 
enmity with the people of the said U States: that they will remain 
at peace, and treat honestly and humanely, all persons and powers at 
peace with the said States, and all cases of agression against said, 
Navajoes by citizens or others of the United States, or by other per- 
sons or powers in amity with the said States, shall be refered to the 
Government of said States, for adjustment and settlement. 

3 

The Government of the said States having the sole and exclusive 
right of regulating the trade and intercourse with the said Navajoes, 
it is agreed that the laws now in force regulating the irade and 
intercourse, and for the preservation of peace with the various tribes 
of Indians under the protection and guardianship of the aforesaid 
Government, shall have the same force and efficacy, and shall be as 
binding, and as obligatory upon the said Navajoes and executed in 
the same manner as if said laws had been passed for their sole benefit 
and protection : and to this end and for all other useful purposes, the 
Government of New Mexico, as now organised, or as it may be by the 
Government of the United States or by the legally constituted authori- 
ties of the people of New Mexico, is recognised and acknowledged by 



COKEESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 23 

the said Navajoes; and for the due enforcement of the aforesaid laws, 
until the Government of the United States shall otherwise order, the 
territory of the Navajoes is hereby annexed to New Mexico. 



The Navajo Indians hereby bind themselves to deliver to the Military 
authority of the United States in New Mexico, at Santa Fe New 
Mexico, as soon as he or they can be apprehended the murderer or 
murderers of Micenti Garcia, that said fugitive or fugitives from 
justice may be dealt with as justice may decree. 



All American and Mexican captives, and all stolen property taken 
from Americans or Mexicans, or other persons or powers in amity 
with the United States shall be delivered by the Navajo Indians to 
the aforesaid military authority at Jemez, New Mexico on or before 
the ninth day of October next ensuing that justice may be meted out 
to all whom it may concern, and also all Indian Captives and stolen 
property of such tribe or tribes of Indians as shall enter into a similar 
reciprocal treaty, shall in like manner, and for the same purposes 
be turned over to an authorized officer or agent of the said States by 
the aforesaid Navajoes. 



Should any Citizen of the United States or other person or persons 
subject to the laws of the United States, murder, rob, or otherwise 
maltreat any Navajo Indian or Indians, he or they, shall be arrested 
and tried and upon conviction shall be subjected to all the penalties 
provided by law for the protection of the persons and property of 
the people of the said States. 



The people of the United States of America shall have free and safe 
passage through the territory of the aforesaid Indians, under such 
rules and regulations as may be adopted by authority of the said 
States. 



Jn order to preserve tranquility and to afford protection to all the 
people and interests of the contracting parties, the Government of 
the United States of America will establish such military posts and 
agencies, and authorize such trading houses at such time, and in 
such places as the said Government may designate. 



24 COEEESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

9 

Relying, confidently, upon the justice and the liberality of the afore- 
said Government and anxious to remove every possible cause that 
might disturb their peace and quiet, it is agreed by the aforesaid 
Navajoes that the Government of the United States shall at its con- 
venience, designate, settle, and adjust their territorial boundaries, 
and pass and execute in their territory, such laws, as may be deemed 
conducive to the prosperity and happiness of said Indians. 

10 

For and in consideration of the faithful performance of all the 
stipulations herein contained by the said Navajo Indians, the Gov- 
ernment of the United States will grant to said Indians such dona- 
tions, presents, and implements and adopt such other liberal and 
humane measures as said Government may deem meet and proper. 

11 

This treaty shall be binding upon the contracting parties from and 
after the Signing of the same. Subject only to such modifications 
and amendments as may be adopted by the Government of the 
United States, and finally, this treaty is to receive a liberal construc- 
tion at all times, and in all places, to the end that the said Navajo 
Indians shall not be held responsible for the conduct of others and 
that the Government of the United States shall so legislate and act 
as to secure the permanent prosperity and happiness of said Indians. 
In faith whereof we the undersigned, have signed this treaty and 
affixed thereunto our seals in the valley of Cheille this the ninth day 
of September in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred 
and forty nine. 

J M. Washington 

Bvt. Lt Col. Comg. (&c. 
James S. Calhodn 

Indian Agent, 
residing at Santa Fe, 
his 
Mariana Martinez x 
mark 
Head Chief 
his 
Chapitone X 

mark 
Second Chief 



COEEESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 



25 



J. L. Collins 
James Conklin 
Lorenzo Torez 

his 
Antonio x Sandoval 
mark 
his 
Francisco x Josto, 
mark 

Governor of Jemez. 



Witnesses 

H. L. Kendeick. 

Bvt. Maj. U.S.A. 
J N. Ward. 

Bvt. 1st Lt. 3d Infy. 
John J. Peck. 

Bvt Major U.S.A. 
J. F Hammond 

Asst. Surgn. U. S. A. 
H. L. Dodge. 

(Jai)t. Comdg Exit Rgs 
Richard H. Kern. 
J. H. Nones, 

2nd Lieut 2d Arty 
Cyrus Choice. 
John H Dickerson 

2 Lt 1st Artillery 
W E. Love 
John Gr Jones. 
J. H. Simpson 

1st Lt. Corps Top. Engr. 



[Belated correspondence] 
[Mclaws to KER.'] 



Head Quarters 9" Mil Department 

Santa F6 New Mexico Feby S, 1850. 
Captain 

I have the houor herewith to acknowledge the receipt of your communica- 
tion of the 29" of Januavy which was laid before the Colonel Commanding 
for his consideration & he directs me to reply. 

A copy of the treaty made last September with the Navajos will be sent you. 
It is sufficiently comprehensive to shew the policy to be pursued with that 
tribe. They have not complied with the terms of that treaty which the 
Colonel intends exacting from them before entering into a new one. 



A. G. 0., Old Book, No. 2, p. 22. 



26 COERESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

Should any parts of the tribe be disposed to establish Pueblos, seperate from 
the rest; come under our protection and thus relieve themselves from the 
consequences of hostile acts by the Balance of the tribe — Such propositions can 
be received. But the actual consummation of a treaty will only be made 
through the Indian Agent, or some other regularly deputed person, after, all 
the conditions have been duly considered 

Sandoval, Chief of the Pueblo Navajos, has called & paid his respects to the 
Govenor 

The other points of which you make mention in your letter will be acted 
on, at some future time 
Respectfully 

Your obdt servt ' LMcLaws 

1 Lieut 7 Infy 

AAA Genl 
Captain C Ker 

Commanding 
CihoUetta. 

[CALHOUN TO MEDILL/] 

No. 4. 

Santa Fe New Mexico 

October 1st. 1849. 
Sir, 

You were advised by my note of the 15th of August last, that on 
the ensuing day, we were to leave on an expedition^ against the 
Navajoes, with the intention of returning through the Utah coun- 
try. Governor Washington was so obliging as to extend to me an 
invitation to accompany him, which was readily accepted. Our 
rendezvous was Jemez, an Indian Pueblo, fifty seven 47/100 miles 
from Santa Fe, as indicated by Major Kendrick's ^ Viameter, and in 
a direction nearly due west. 

We marched from Jemez on the 22d. of August for the Canon 
of Cheille, the capitol Spot of the Navajo tribe of Indians, and by 
them supposed, or rather, reported to be entirely impracticable of 
approach by an American army. Passing over an exceedingly 
rugged country, checkered, occasionally, by beautiful, fertile and 
extensive valleys, and encamping sometimes where we could not 
obtain wood, water, or grass, we pitched out tents, in a corn field, in 
the Canon of Cheille, on the evening of the 6th day of September, 
last, apparently to the utter amazement of several hundred Navajoes. 
who, during the evening, and until a treaty was concluded with them, 

1 O. I. A., Santa F6 Agency, C 357. Published in Annual Report Commissioner of In- 
dian Affairs, 1849, pp. 994-1002. 

* Washington's letter descriptive of this expedition and dated September 25, 1849, Is to 
be found In House Ex. Doc, 31st Cong., 1st sess.. No. 5, Pt. 1, pp. 111-112. See also 
Crawford to Ewing, March 6, 1850. 

* Henry Lane Kendrlck. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 27 

continued to occupy the surrounding heights, dashing with great 
speed from point to point, evidently in great perturbation. 

It is proper here to mention an incident that occurred on the east 
side of the mountain range from Cheille. 

On the afternoon of the 30th of August we encamped near ex- 
tensive corn fields belonging to the Navajoes, in the Valley of 
Tunicha, where we were met by several hundreds of their tribe. 
They asked for permission to confer with the Governor, which 
was conceded to the chiefs. The Governor frankly stated to them 
that his purpose was to chastise them for their bad conduct, in 
committing murders,* and stealing horses, sheep, and every thing 
else they could put their hands upon. The Chiefs replied that law- 
less men were to be found everywhere, that such secreted themselves 
during the day, and prowled about at night — that their utmost 
vigilance had not rendered it possible for the Chiefs and good men 
to apprehend the guilty, or to restrain the wicked; but, that they 
were ready to make every possible restitution by returning an equal 
number of animals stolen, returning certain captives, and delivering 
the murderer, or murderers of Micente Garcia, to be dealt with as 
justice might decree. In short, they were ready to submit themselves 
and their interests to the authorities of the United States, as the 
best means of securing the prosperity and happiness of all concerned. 
A skeleton of a treaty, in substance the same as the treaty concluded 
at Cheille, was immediately submitted, and thoroughly discussed, 
and agreed to ; and certain Chiefs named to accompany us to Cheille, 
the residence, so far as he has one, of the Head Chief, and the seat 

an 
of the supreme power of the Navajo tribe of Indians — As earnest 
of their intentions, they delivered to us one hundred and thirty sheep, 
and some four or five mules and horses. This accomplished, orders 
were given to prepare to resume our march. In the mean time, the 
Indians were all permitted to descend from the heights, and to oc- 
cupy a level space, commencing within fifty paces of the Governor's 
Quarters — The actings and doings of the parties were duly explained 
to them by a long and noisy harangue from a Navajo. They were 
further informed, that a certain horse, which was pointed out to 
them, was the property of a Pueblo Indian then present, and that 
the horse must be delivered to the proper owner at once. The fact 
of having stolen the horse was not denied, but a statute of limitation 
was suggested by the reply, that the horse had been rode back to the 
country from where the animal was taken, and that, that was the 
time to have claimed him, and ended by the enquiry why he was not 
then claimed — This conversation was reported to Governor Wash- 
ington in the presence of several Chiefs, who were distinctly notified 
by him, that he required the immediate delivery if the horse — The 



28 COERESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

Chiefs, among them, the Senior Chief on the east side of the before- 
mentioned mountain range, left the Governor's tent, as was sup- 
posed, to instruct their jDeople what they should do. The Governor 
having waited a sufficient length of time without the return of a sin- 
gle Chief, or any report from them, ordered a small detachment of 
the guard to proceed to the crowd, with instructions to the officer of 
the guard, to demand the immediate surrender of the horse, and 
walked out, in jDerson, to superintend the execution of the order — The 
demand not producing the desired effect, Lieut Torez, the officer of 

by the Governor 
the guard, was directed to seize the horse and his 

rider, and to bring them before him. The moment the guard was 
ordered forward, every Navajo Indian in the crowd, supposed to 
number from three to four hundred, all mounted and armed, and 
their arms in their hands, wheeled, and put the spur to their horses ; 
upon which, the Governor ordered the guard to fire. The Senior 
Chief, Narbone, was left lifeless upon the ground, and several others 
were found dead in the vicinity. The Indians did not attempt to fire 
until their own and our forces were scattered, when feeble efforts to 
kill and cut off small parties were unsuccessfully made. Except the 
killing of a few horses, and the loss of a few mules, we sustained no 
injury. 

The distance from Santa Fe to Tunicha, is one hundred and ninety 
eight 99/100 miles. 

In pursuance of orders previously given wc marched, during the 
afternoon of that day, about six miles in the direction of Cheille, 
and encamped adjoining Cornfields belonging to Narbone, the Chief 
killed at Tunicha. During the same afternoon, and every day there- 
after on our march to Cheille, Indians of the tribe would come within 
hallowing distance, and renew expressions of their desire for peace, 
and of their intentions to comply with the terms which their Chiefs 
had agreed to. On the evening that we entered the Caiion of Cheille, 
we were again spoken to from the heights, when it was announced 
they were ready to comply with the Governor's demands; and, as 
the Governor did not order a halt, they said, the Governor did not 
want peace or why persist in going into the Caiion. The Governor 
ordered our Indians, who were talking to the Navajoes, to be silent. 

we 
and quietly entered the much talked of Caiion. 284, 08/100 miles, 
from Santa Fe; rich in its Valleys, rich in its fields of grain, and 
rich in its vegetables and peach orchards. Water at this season of 
the year may be had in any desirable quantity by digging a few 
feet, and wood in abundance, pine, juniper, and cedar, a few miles 
off. The qii: iitity of water that runs through and under tlie snr- 



COKRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 29 

face of the Canon is immense; and in many places, above Cheille, 
there is a bold and continuous stream of pure water; but as it 
leaches the debouching point, the earth becomes quite porous, and 
the water sinks a few feet. 

Early on the day after our arrival at Cheille, the Head Chief of 
the tribe having ascertained by what process he could approach the 
Governor, presented himself at Head Qrs (Quarters), heard the 
demands of the Governor, and after a rather long talk, pledged him- 
self to a compliance, and appointed the second day thereafter as 
the time to consummate the agreement. At the appointed time, the 
Head Chief with the second, appeared and announced their readi- 
ness and their full authority, to redeem the pledge of the Head Chief; 
at the same time, bringing forward 104, Sheep, 4 mules & horses, 
and delivering four Captives. 

Mexican Captives delivered. 

1 Anto Josea about 10 years old, taken from Jemez where his 
parents now live, by the Navajo, who delivered him. A flock of 
Goats & Sheep were stolen at the same time. He says he was well 
treated. 

2 Teodosia Gonzales, twelve years of age, was taken about six 
years ago, from a corral near the Rio Grande, where he supposes his 
parents now live. He was stolen while herding Goats, but no effort 
was made to take the Goats. He was well treated. 

Marceito, eighteen j^ears of age, was taken from Socorro. He 
Icnows nothing of his parents, nor how long he has been captive. He 
has evidently been a captive many years, as he has entirely forgotten 
his native tongue. The novelty of a home, as explained to him, 
seemed to excite him somewhat. 

Josea Ignacio Anane, became a prisoner seventeen years ago, 
taken, when quite a boy, by a roving band of Navajoes. at Tuck- 
alotoe. His parents then lived at Sante Fe, where he supposes they 
now reside. He is the fortunate possessor of two Avives, and three 
children, living at Mecina Gorda, (Big Oak) north of Cheille two 
and a half days travel. He was originally sold to an Indian named 
Waro, to whom he yet belongs. I do not think he is under many 
i-estraints, for he prefers most decidedly to remain with the Navajoes, 
notwithstanding his peonage. 

Subsequently at Zunia the Navajoes brought to us. 

Manuel Lucira taken from Del Mansiiia two years since, while 
herding sheep. The Indians took only such sheep as was needed at 
the moment. He is about fourteen years of age, and has been sold 
several times, and badly treated, by flogging &c. His parents are 
said to be living near the place where he was stolen from. At the 
same time a brother of Manuel's was taken; but he was returned last 



30 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

year. These Captives except the one so fortunately married ha\'c 
been placed in the hands of the friends and acquaintances of their 
parents. 

The treaty, a copy of which I have already addressed to you, having 
been duly executed, on the 10th of Sept, we marched for Zunia, 
distance 106/ 17/100 miles, in a South eastern direction, instead 

the 
of returning by way of Utah country. Governor Washington, 

previous to marching from Santa Fe, ordered about three hundred 
mounted troops into the Utah country, for the purpose of repressing 
disturbances, checking depredations, and to recover lost and stolen 
property. Two of the companies were ordered, if practicable, to 
effect a junction with the troops under the Governors immediate 

is 
command before they reached Cheille. It matter of regret, that 
this could not be done. The Governor having no reliable information 
as to what had been done against the Utahs ; and hearing what was 
believed to be true, and which proved to be false, that the Apaches 
had entered Zunia, killed a number of its inhabitants, and drove off 
a great many horses, mules, and sheep, changed the route of his 
return march, as before stated. 

The Pueblo of Zunia contains, in my opinion, more than 500, 
Indians, a hardy, well fed and well clothed race, and their location 
being more than 200, miles, from Santa Fe, and 130 m, from Albur- 
querque, on a good road in every respect, now growing into favor 
as the best route to California, are subjected to various annoyances 
from Navajoes, North and north west, and the Apaches South & south 
east. But what is shockingly discreditable to the american name, 
emigrants commit the grossest wrongs against these excellent Indians 
by taking, in the name of the United States, such horses, mules, and 
sheep, and grain as they desire, carefully concealing their true name, 
but assuming official authority and bearing. A wrong of this kind 
had been perpetrated a few days previous to our arrival there. 

About the same time, the Navajoes descended from the mountains, 
and made an unsuccessful attempt to drive of a number of sheep &c. 

and 
A battle ensued, several Navajoes are said to have been wounded, 

and one, whose undried flesh was food for Carrion Crows as we 
passed his remains, was left dead on the field, within half a mile of 
the village. The inhabitants of this Pueblo gave us a hearty recep- 
tion, manifesting their gratification in the most uproarious, wild, and 
indescribable manner, offering to us large quantities of fruit and 
bread; all of which was becomingly received. 

Passing over a distance of 88, 30/100, miles, wild in its mountains 
and caiions, beautiful and rich in its extensive valleys, highlands and 



CORRESPONDENCE OP JAMES S. CALHOUN. 31 

lowlands, affording superior grazing, the purest and most delightful 
water, excellent pine lumber, and a superabundant supply of the 
finest rock, limestone, and Plaister of Paris, for building purposes, 
we We encamped in the Valley of Laguna on the afternoon of the 
19th inst, within view of the Pueblo of that name, containing some 
400 inhabitants. The outrages committed against these Indians by 
emigrants to California, and others, are as frequent and as flagrant 
as those mentioned of Zunia. Indeed the last outrage was of an 
infinitely more aggravated character. Near the hour of 12. m. the 
day not remembered, the Valley was entered and sheep and other 
things demanded, to which the Governor of the Village replied, no 
sheep could be furnished at that hour, as their flocks were regularly, 
every morning, sent off that they might graze during the day. The 
emigrants, if such they were, assuming official importance, in their 
anger, threatened to lynch the Alcalde, tied the Governor and in 
that condition carried him from his home, Laguna, to Zunia the next 
Pueblo west. 

The distance between Laguna and Alberquerque is 46, 84/100 miles. 
The road between the two places is good, water scarce and bad, with 
but little timber, and less grass, — no settlements and no cultivation 
after passing east from Laguna six miles on the road to Albuquerque. 

About ten miles N. W. of Laguna there is a small Spanish village 
called 

At one of these points, I venture to say, our government should 
establish a military post, and I understand, Governor Washington 
will station, at an early day, two companies in that neighborhood. 
The Navajoes and Apaches are exceedingly troublesome in that neigh- 
borhood. At, or near Sandia, an Indian Pueblo, some 15 miles, on 
the road from Albuquerque to Santa Fe, five Mexicans were killed, 
by a straggling band of Navajoes, and some property taken off on 

preceding 
the 24th of the pfeseftt month, the second day after we passed, on our 
return to Santa Fe. Numerous bands of theiving Indians, princi- 
pally, Navajoes, Apaches, and Ccmanches, are straggling in every 
direction, busily employed in gathering their winter supplies, where 
they have not sown. Not a day passes without hearing of some fresh 
outrage, and the utmost vigilance of the military force in this country 

and 
is not sufficient to prevent murders and depredations there are 

but few so bold as to travel alone ten miles from Santa Fe. 

How are these wrongs to be remedied? 

I answer by a compulsory enlightment, and the imposition of just 
restraints both to be enforced at the point of the bayonet. 

You are already advised, if not before by my letter of the 29th 

bands 
of July last, that there were wandering of Indians, who did 



32 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

not cultivate the soil, and lived alone by depredations. The language 
I used, on the occasion alluded to, should have been so modified as 
to have excepted the sustenance which they derive from their, some- 
times, successful hunting of Buffaloes, the Bear, Deer, and other 
game. It is now stated, upon a more intimate knowledge of the 
various tribes of Indians in this region, that a vast majority of the 
Apaches and Comanches, live chiefly, by depredations; that they 
look upon the cultivators of the soil with contempt, as inferior beings, 
the products of whose labor legitimately belong to power, the 
strongest arm; and that labor, except in War, and in love, and the 
chase is degredation; and the man who has not stolen a horse, or 
scalped an enemy, is not worthy of association with these lords of 
the woods. 

The wild Indians of this country have been so much more suc- 
cessful in their robberies since Genl Kearney took possession of the 
country, they do not believe we have the power to chastise them. 
Is it not time to enlighten them upon this subject, and to put an 
end to their ceaseless depredations. At this moment, above our 
estahlished Indian country on the Arkansas, these people are com- 
mitting every depredation within their power, so far up as Bent's ^ 
Fort. These, with the Navajoes & Kioways are known to be in every 
section of the territory. 

Indeed, we are in a state of War, and their disappointment in Mr 
Fitzpatricks promises is their excuse for their conduct. Concerning 
Mr F.'s actings & doings, and his promises and authority to act. 
I am, as yet, wholly ignorant. 

The Navajoes commit their wrongs from a pure love of rapine 
and plunder. They have extensive fields of Corn & Wheat — fine 
Peach orchards, and grow quantities of Melons, Squashes, Beans 
and Peas, and have immense flocks of sheep, a great number of 
Mules and horses of a superior breed; they have nothing of the cow 
kind. This statement, I know, is antagonistical to official reports 
made by others; but I report to you from personal knowledge, ob- 
tained during Govr Washington's expidition against the Navajoes. 

Distance and numbers, by red men. are matters of fact not to be 
comprehended and understood by Indians of this country, as it is 
elsewhere. Distance is measured by time, at their pace, which is 
never slow, and so far as their population is concerned, the Governor 
of the smallest Pueblo can not accurately, rarely approximately give 
you the number of its inhabitants. 

It is still a much more impracticable matter to ascertain the ex- 
tent of the population of such a tribe as the Navajoes. 

^ Bent's Fort was the great stopping place on the north, or Arkansas, branch of the 
Santa Fe trail. See Twitchell, Leadin? Facts of New Mexican History, II, p. 120 ; 
Chittenden, American Fur Trade, III, p. 970 ; Kansas Historical Collections, VII, p. 327, 
note ; VIII. p. 487, note. 



COEEESPONDENCE 01'' JAMES S. CALHOUN. 33 

of their local 
ef-fefeeH-'4eeftl4iftbifc%tie«H^ the whereabouts, 
habitations, 

depending solely upon the seasons of the year and their 
apprehensions of danger, not one of them having a permanent abid- 
ing place. Their only houses are mere lodges, scfuare or circular, 
brought to a point about fifteen feet from the grounds and some- 
times the outer covering is mud, one room only. 

The stone walls Avhich are built and inhabited by them are in the 
shape, or nearly so, of a square, and some times have more than one 
room from eight to twelve feet, in height, and not one that I saw 
was covered in anj^ ^vay. 

The number of Indians of this tribe, I do not think; can exceed 
five thousand, and they claim from about 35° to 38° north latitude, 
and 29° to 33° longitude west from Washington. The conflicting 
claims of the Utahs east and north, to some extent must indent their 
supposed borders, and they are barred on the South East, Se«th, 
a nd - W est by special, Spanish and Mexican Grants to their then 
Cristiano Indian allies; all of whom live in pueblos hold lands in 
common, the boundaries of which they say are distinctly defined by 
original grants, now in existence. They complain of many encroach- 
ments upon their boundaries, and hope the U. S. government will 
restore them their ancient rights. Wicked men, some americans, but 
chiefly Mexicans, for their own mischevious purposes, have aAvak- 
ened the apprehensions of, the Pueblos by declaring the americans 
would take from them their lands, and remove them to an unknown 
region. The fears of many on this point, I think I have quieted, 
by the assurance that the President had no designs of that charac- 
ter; instead of which, if their population required it, he would add 
to their grants rather than narrow their limits. 

But to return to the Navajoes. They derive their title to the 
country over which they roam, from mere possession, not knowing 
from whence they came, or how they were planted upon its soil : 
and its soil is easy of cultivation, and capable of sustaining nearly 
as man}^ millions of inhabitants as they have thousands. I respect- 
fully suggest, these people should have their limits circumscribed, 
and distincth'' marked out, and their departure from said limits 
should be under certain prescriloed rules, at least for some time to 
come. Even this arrangement would be utterly ineffective unless 
enforced by the military arm of the country. 

These Indians are harch', and intelligent, and it is as natural for 
them to war against all men, and to take the property of others as 
it is for the sun to give light hj day. 
5021—15 3 



34 COERESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

In reference to a majority of the Apaches and Comanches, they 
should be learned and made to cultivate the soil, and should have 
prescribed limits, under the rules and regulations, and to be enforced 
as suggested above. 

The Pueblos by many are regarded as a tribe. A more decided 
error in reference to these Indians could not be suggested. The 
number of Pueblos, each containing inhabitants from 3 to COO, is 
about twenty, not including the Indians west or south of the Moquies. 
Of these twenty Pueblos, the languages of at least ten of them, are 
altogether different, and it is said by some who claim to be judges, 

in language 
there is not the slightest analogy existing between any 

two of them; and they communicate with each other, through the 
instrumentality of Mexican interpreters, or pantomimic action. The 
same may be said of the Apaches and Comanches, with the qualifi- 
cation which follows. 

I have seen but a few of either of these last named tribes, and I 
can not say there is as much dissimilarity in their languages as exist 
with the various Pueblos. As to the number of either of these tribes, 
I can not even venture a guess; and in reference to the extent of 
territory claimed by them, no satisfactory information has yet been 
acquired; nor can it be, until a sufficient number of troops are sent 
here to afford escorts to those who may be charged with such investi- 
gations. It may be remarked however, that the Comanches range, 
principally, between 32° & 3G° N. latitude, and longitude west from 
AVashington 22° & 27°. From thence west 2 or 300 hundred miles, 
across the Rio Grande, the Apaches ^ are found, on both sides of the 

1 John C. Hays, of San Antonio, Texas, who had been appointed " sub-Indian-agent for 
the Rio Gila, New Mexico (see Ewmj? to Medill, April 5, 1849, O. I. A., Rio Gila Sub- 
agency, I 184), reported January 5, 1850, that the Apaches, who "may be said to be 
the only Indians who live on the Gila in New Mexico," " were shy and hostile with feel- 
ings aroused against the whites by an attack recently made on them by some Americans 
employed by the Gov. of Chihuahua expressly to flght Indians. * * * Accompanied 
by some emigrants, I went into the country of the Gila Apaches, and sought by every 
means to establish a friendly intercourse with them without success. At one time a 
few were preparing to come into our camp, and had actually collected within two or three 
miles of us, but were unfortunately dispersed by a Mexican force of four hundred men, 
the day before they were to visit us. 

" * * * From all I have seen and known of the Apaches, they are treacherous, 
warlike and cruel, and need severe chastisement before they can be made to know the 
policy of observing good faith with white people. Some of my own companions were 
killed by them at the very time they were intimating an intention to treat with us. 
It is exceedingly hazardous for any but large parties to attempt to pass through their 
country. There is no head chief of the Apache nation. They are scattered in small 
bands, independent of each other, throughout the southern portion of New Mexico, parts 
of Sonora, Chihuahua, and along the country of the Rio Grande on both sides of the 
River down as low as San Carlos. They have made a number of treaties with Mexico, 
and the different states of Mexico, but never observe them longer than suits their inter- 
ests, and some portion of them continue a constant war against the Mexicans, which is 
marked with great atrocity and cruelty. The same want of faith will be practised 



COEEESPONDEXCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 35 

dividing line, between the United States and the United ^Mexican 
states; and this circumstance will be fruitful of some trouble, be- 
cause those on either side of the line will charge upon the other, 
the wrongs they themselves commit. I am not prepared to say, the 

11th 
evils alluded to, would have no existence if the article of the 

late treaty was reciprocal. 

The terms by which they hold the country over which they roam, 
is a mere possessors^ title, which the God of nature has permitted to 
them; and one tenth of the country would be more than sufficient 
to satisfy all the wants of a much more consuming people. The dis- 

no 
position of the Utahs is rather equivocal. They have committed 
wrongs recently, against, Americans, proper. These Indians 
met Col. Beall,^ who had charge of the expidition ordered 
against them at the same time Govr. Washington marched 
upon the Navajoes, and agreed to all his demands, an impossibility 
among them, as I have reason to believe; to witty the restoration of all 
the Fremont property lost during the past winter. That was out 
of the question, as a portion of it, as I am informed, has long since 
been consumed. This fact was seized upon, by worthless Mexicans, to 
frighten the Indians off; for they made the Indians believe, if every 

within 
article was not restored, Col" Beall would cause every one i» his 

Utahs 
reach, to be put to death; therefore it was, as I am informed, by Col° 
Beall, they did not come up at the appointed time, to consu- 

mate the treaty agreed upon. From the facts herein stated, it must 
be evident to reflecting minds. 

1st That an additional mounted regiment, full and complete, 
should be in service in New Mexico. I repeat what I have said in a 
former communication, Infantry are useful only in taking care of 
public stores, and isolated places, 

2nd Without an additional force, not a single interest of the 
country can be fully protected, 

3 Military stations ought to be established at Tunicha, and the 
Canon of Cheille, in the Navajo country; at. or near Jemez, Zunia 

toward us, unless as I have before said they be taught to fear us. * * • " (O. I. A., 
Pao Gila Sub-Agency, H 1160.) 

At the same time that Hays sent this letter, he tendered his resignation as sub-agent, 
saying, " The only Indians in my department are the Apaches, and to effect any thing 
with them requires much tinn', a number of troops, and a large expenditure of money. 
My inability to be of any service whatever, with the means furnished, compels me to 
abandon the undertaking." (Extract from letter of January 3, 1850.) 

1 Benjamin Lloyd Beall, upon whom the command of the 0th Military Department had 
devolved in the absence of.Colonel Sterling Price. See Twitchell, Leading Facts of New 
Mexican History, IL p. 263. 



36 COEEESPOXDEXCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUX. 

and Laguna, and perhaps in other places, in the direction of El Paso, 
?nd within the Pueblo region. 

4th To every Pueblo, there ought to be sent at once, an Indian 
ngent, to protect the Indians, and to preserve the character of the 
United States. Such agents should be continued at each Pueblo for 
(he next year or two. 

5. Unless this is done, emigrants and others, claiming to be officers 
of the U S; will disaffect these people by their lawless conduct. 

6. It is but fair to presume, that in a year or two, such improve- 
ments in public morals, will take place, as to justify the continuance 
of most of the agencies, that ought noiv to be in existence in each 
Pueblo. Just at this moment, the Pueblo Indians, in number 54 who 
accompanied Governor Washington in his expedition against the 
Kavajoes are complaining that they are not paid for their services. 
In New Mexico a better population than these Pueblo Indians can 
not be found, and they must be treated with great delicacy. The 
slightest disappointment in their expectations, no matter how created, 
rhe}' regard as a deliberate deceit practised upon them. If properly 
cared for and instructed, in all Indian wars, these Pueblos would be 
very important auxiliaries. Even now, notwithstanding the dis- 
content mentioned above, at least two hundred of ihem could be 
I'eadily raised for mounted service; and, if I had the military, com- 
mand of this territory, I should regard them as necessary adjuncts. 
In compliance with one of the stipulations of the treaty entered into 
by Governor Washington with the Navajoes, they are to deliver at 
Jemez, on the ninth of next month, certain captives and stolen prop- 
erty. Although they have delivered to us Sheep, Horses, Mules & 
Captives, as an earnest of their intentions, we do not feel confident 
that they will comph^ with the terms of the treaty. They may not 
be there. At the time, and on the occasion alluded to. the Governors, 
Captains, and Alcaldes of most of the Pueblos, East and north of the 
Moquies, it is supposed, will be at Jemez. It is my intention to be 
there too,^ and if permitted, what shall then and there occur, shall be 
immediately, thereafter, reported to you. 

1 Provision, judging from tlie annexed letter, D 53, which was found in a box of mis- 
cellaneous papers, " Dep't of New Mexico, 1848-49," in the Archives Division of the Ad- 
jutant-General's Office and for which, apparently there is no Register now in existence, 
was made for a military escort to accompany Calhoun to Jemez. 

AssT Adjt General's Office 

9 Mil Department 
Santa F€, N. M"., Oct 30, 49 
Sir 

The Col. Comdg. directs that you proceed at once to Santo Domingo with the det. of 
Capt Chapman's compy. under your command It is necessary that you be at that place 
by Saturday evening. From Santo Domingo you will accompany Col. Calhoun, Indian 
Agent, to Jemez and return to Santa P6 with him 

Should the supply of subsistence stores which you now haye be exhausted before you 
return you will get more at Jemez. 

I am &c 
Lt O. R. Anderson 

Comdg det. vols Vallas Orarich Xeic Mo 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 37 

The mail leaves on to-morrow morning, and I have not been able, 
to clay, to complete the labor that belongs to my position — nor have 
I been able to revise, with care, what I have caused to be recorded in 
the foregoing pages. It is sincerely hoped, I may yet, and in due 
time, cure my omissions of to-day. No opportunity, for the trans- 
mission of intelligence, shall pass me by, without my advising you of 
my actings and doings, and my whereabouts. 
I am. 

With great respect, 

Your obt. Servt. 

James S. Calhoun 

Indian Agent 
Santa Fe. 
Col. IVIedill New Mexico 

Comr. of Indian Affairs. 
Washington City 
D. G. 

[CALHOUN TO MEDILL.^] 

No. 5. 

Indian Agency. 
Santa Fe, New Mexico 

Octr. 4. 1849. 
Sir, 

Without having recovered from the prostration occasioned, as I 
suppose, by the occupancy of a room more confined than I have been 

to 
accustomed of late, I will attempt to-day to cure some of the omis- 
sions which you will have noted in my communication of the first 
of the present month. 

It is with pleasure I bring to your notice several Indians, from 
different Pueblos, who accompanied Governor Washington in his 
late expedition against the Navajoes. They", as a matter of course, 
knew but little, if any thing, about the military discipline of the 
United States, yet their deportment and bearing was such as to 
justify high expectations of their effectiveness in expeditions against 
their implacable enemies, the wild tribes of New Mexico. 

Of the fifty four Pueblos with us, the following named Indians 
were the most prominent and influential. 
From Jemez 
Francisco Sosto — civil Governor and Alcalde. 

1 O. I. A., Santa F^, C 371. 



S8 COKRESPOXDEXCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

San Felipe 
Mariano Chavis — AVar Captain. 

Santa Anna. 
Salvadore — War Captain 
Hosea Beheale — Selected Captain to command all the Indians 
engaged in the expedition. This excellent man, is Avithout official 

are 
j)Osition in the Pueblo to Avhich he belongs, and there but few, 

who have such a decided influence over these people, generallv. 
Cia 
Francisco. "War Captain 

Santo Domingo 
Quandiego — Civil Governor. 
These men are all deserving of favorable consideration. When 
they were about to part with us, to return to their homes, occasion 
was seized to compliment them upon their gallantry and general 
good conduct, which was received with lively demonstrations of 
gratification, and an expression of the desire that the President of 
the United States should be made acquainted with the estimate in 
which we held them as men, and as soldiers. 

In this connection. I may be pardoned, I trust, for commending, 
in terms of decided praise, Henry Linn Dodge, Captain commanding 
[I Volunteer Company, also, with us in the late Xavajo expedition. 
He was at all times, efficient and prompt, and commanded the ad- 
miration of Governor Washington, as well as others. If I mistake 
not, Capt. Dodge has a father ^ and brother - now Senators in 
Congress. 

It may be useless to add, the officers and soldiers fully sustained 
American 
the character of the Army. 

Zuni is an isolated Indian Pueblo, one hundred and Six miles from 
the Canon of Cheille — or Cheya— and Eighty eight miles west of 
Laguna. At Zufu we met with its Governor, Pedro Pino — the Cap- 
tain of War, Salvadore, and the Alcalde, Mariano Vaca — all intelli- 
gent men. Indeed, the citizens of this Pueblo, it is beleived, are, in 
ever}- sense of the word, excellent people, and ought to be immediately 
protected, as well, against the lawless conduct of emigrants and 
others, as against the treacherous Navajoes. 

At Laguna. the men were out gathering pine mass [mast?] — Martio 
Conchi, the Alcalde, was at home, and done the honors of the Pueblo, 
and manifested every dis]K)sition to oblige us. This village, and 

miles 
another, some ten or fifteen to its south, Aconia. from their 

locations, will continue to suffer gross Avrongs, until they are pro- 

1 Henry L>odge of Wisconsiu. 2 Augustus Caesar Dodge of Iowa. 



CORRESPONDENCE OP JAMES S. CALHOUN. 39 

tected by the Laws of the United States, and the presence of an 
Agent. 

I have been kindly furnished with the following statement by the 
Hon. Joab Houghton, one of the Supreme Judges of this Territory. 
If the number of Indians, in each Pueblo, was accurately ascertained, 
I am of the opinion, from actual examinations in the villages I have 
visited, the aggregate would be more than ten thousand. Be that 
as it may, it is desirable to know their entire strength, and this can 
not be done until agencies are duly established. 

(Here let the statement follow) 

The Pueblo, or civilized Towns, of Indians of the Territory of 
New Mexico, are the following. 

In the County of Taos. 
Taos 

Picoris 283 iuhabitauts 
lu the County of Rio Arriva ' 

San Juan 500 inhabitants 
Santa Clara. 
In the County of Santa Fe, 
San Illdefonso 
Xanibe 

Pojoaqiie 590 inhabitants. 
Tezuque. 
In the County of Santa Ana. 
Cochiti 

Santo Domingo 
San Felipe 
Santa Ana 
Tia 

Jemez. 1,918 inhabitants 
In the County of Bernalillo 
Sandia 

Gleta 833 inhabitants. ' 

In the County of Valencia 
Laguna 

Acoma ■' 

Zunia ISOO inhabitants 
Opposite El Paso. 
Socoro 
Isletas 600 
Recapitulation ' 

Pueblos of New Mexico. 

County of Taos 283. over 5 years of age 

Rio Arriva 500 

Santa Fe 590 

Santa Ana 1918 

Bernalillo 833 

Valencia 1800 

District of Fontero oppo- 600 

site El Paso del Norte. 

6524 



40 COKKESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUX. 

The above nmneration was taken from the Census ordered by the 
Legislature of Xew Mexico, convened December 1847, which in- 
cludes only those of five years of age and upwards. 

near 

It is well to remember these Pueblos are located from ten to 
one hundred miles apart, commencing north at Taos, and running 
east and west two hundred miles — This statement has no reference 
to Pueblos west of Zuiii. 

It must be remembered too, but a few of these Pueblos speak the 
same language and, so far as a majority are concerned, they are so 
decidedly ignorant of each others language, they are compelled to 
call to their aid Sf)anisli and Mexican interpreters — I have not found 
a single individual in the country, who can render, any one of the 
languages of the Pueblos, or Xavajoes, into English. 

The protection of these Indians, in their persons and property, is 
of great importance. In addition to the obligation which the gov- 
ernment of the United States has assumed for their protection, it 
ma}^ be suggested, as a matter of government economy, their property 
should be protected, and their industry properly stimulated and 
directed. These people can raise immense quantities of corn and 
wheat, and have large herds of sheep and goats — the grazing for 
cattle, generally, is superior, and the reason why they have so few of 
the cow kind, is to be found in the ease with which they may be 
driven off by the Navajos, and others. The average price paid for 
corn in this territory by our government, can not be less than two 
dollars per bushel — and since I have been in Santa Fe public horses 
have not received half the forage allowed to them by the regulations 
of the army. The exorbitant price now paid for corn, and the insuffi- 
cient quantity grown in this country, and other inconveniences, may 
be remedied in one 3'ear, certainly in two years. 

For reasons herein suggested, I venture, respectfully, to say. 

1st The Pueblos, for the present, ought to be divided into six or 
seven districts, and an agent conveniently located in each. 

2d Blacksmiths, implements of husbandry — and other implements, 
ought to be sent to them. Also, some fire arms, powder and lead, and 
other presents should be given to them. 

3d None of the Indians of this territory have a just conception of 
the American power and strength ; and many of them think, as we 
have associated with us the Mexicans, for whom they have no respect, 
we may not have a more efficient government for the protection of the 

than they afforded to them 
people here therefore, it is. I add to the 

recommendations above, the propriety of allowing — or rather, invit- 
ing some fifteen or twenty of them, and perhaps it would be well to 



COERESPOXDEXCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 41 

select a few other Indians, to visit Wasliington City, at anj' early 
day, during the Session of the approaching Congress — Unless my 
powers are enlarged, or other duties assigned me, I may, without 
detriment to the public service, leave here, for a short period — and 
if agreeable to the Department, I should be pleased to receive orders 
to take a certain number to Washington City, as one among the best 
means of securing order and quiet in this territory. 

In January, or February, we might with safety take the southern 
route, by the El Paso, and through Texas, passing by and through 
the country inhabited by the Apaches and Comanches. 

We continue to complain that we are without a mail, or proper 
mail facilities. 

I am with great respect. 
Your obt. Servt. 

James S. Calhoun 
Indian Agent 
Santa Fe 

New Mexico 

P. S. Since the foregoing was written, I have been informed, an 
arrangement with a merchant has been effected, by which the Pueblo 
Indians who accompanied Govr. Washington 

in his late Xavajo 
expedition 

have been satisfied for their services. 

J. S. C. 
Col W Medill 

Corner of Indian Affairs 

WaaJdngton City 

D. G. 

[CALHOUN TO MEDILL.'] 

No. 6. 

Indian Agency 

Santa Fe. 
October 5th 18^9. 
Sir. W- 

Since my letter of yesterday's date, I regret to say, rumors of 
Indian troubles have increased, and received some confirmation by 
tlu> murder of a Mexican within three miles of this place. The sur- 

on yesterday 
goon who examined the murdered man says he was 

shot with sixteen arrows in the back, and two in front — that he 

1 O. I. a., Santa F6 Agency, C 371. 



42 COERESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUX. 

found arrows upon the ground, and that the trail indicated the 
number of Indians as unusually large. Several Indians from Ilede- 
fonso came to me yesterday, also, saying the Xavajos were impudent, 
troublesome, and dangerous — and that they were in every nook and 
corner of the country. 

A few moments since, the Governor and others of Santo Domingo, 
thirty one miles Avest of Santa Fe, came to give me similar intelli- 
gence. One ^ of the owners of Bent's Fort, has removed all property 
from it, and caused the Fort to be burnt ^ — M"". St. Vrain,^ long a 
citizen here, every w^ay reliable, and intelligent, says a worse state 
of things has not existed in this country since he has been an in- 
habitant of it. This fact is sustained by Mr Folger and others, 
among them, Mr Smith * who will be in Washington at an early day, 
as the delegate ■' of a convention ^' assembled here on the 24:th of last 
month, to consider of the public good. 

The number of discontented Indians in this territory is not small 
and I regret to add, they are not the only evil people in it. 

This w^hole country requires a thorough purging, which can be 
accomplished only by a thorough exploration of every hole and 
corner in it. The entire country should be immediately examined, 
and surveyed— and military roads should be opened, and posts and 
depots established. 

This policy would render it absolutely necessary to send out one 
or two additional regiments, mounted, as the surest and only plan 
of economizing in this branch of the public service — and with this 
branch, should one or more additional regiments be raised, I should 
be pleased to be associated, as I have written to you, and to the 
Secretary of War, heretofore. 

Governor Washington left for Taos on j^esterday morning to be 
absent for a few days only — I am arranging to leave for Jemez, on 
tomorrow, where, it is understood, a number of the chief officials of 
several Pueblos are to be, on the 8th of the present month. 

1 Wm. W. Bent. 

2 Kansas Historical Collections, VII, p. .327, note. 

3 Ceran St. Vrain, who was " closely identified with the social, official, military, and 
commercial life of New Mexico." See Twitchell, Leading Facts of New Mexican History, 
II, p. 121, note. 

* Hugh N. Smith. 

B As New Mexico had not yet been organized. Congress refused to accept the credentials 
of Hugh N. Smith as Delegate. Full information regarding the controversy may be found 
In Congressional Globe, 31st Cong., 1st S., pp. 94, 279, 1038, 1392, 1394, 1407, 1408, and 
in Bancroft, History of Arizona and New Mexico, p. 446. 

•Twitchell, II, p. 209, and notes. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 43 

Col. Monroe ^ has not arrived, no reports of troops approaching 
from the States, and we are yet without a mail. 
I am, Your obt, Servt 

James S. Calhoun 

Indian Agent 

Santa Fe, 
Col. Medill, Comr. c&c. N. M. 

Washington City 

[CALHOUN TO MEDILL.'] 

No. 7. 

Indlan Agency 
Santa Fe. New" JNIexico 

October 13th. ISlfi. 
Sir, 

For obvious reasons, my communications to the Department should 
have been numbered, to remedy the omission, as far as practicable, 
is now my purpose. 

Since my arrival at Santa Fe, on the 22nd. of July last, the follow- 
ing is the order of my letters to the Department. 

No. 1. 

July 29th mo. 

No. 2. 

August loth. 1849 

No. 3. 

Sejjtemher 2oth 1849 

No. 4. 

October 1st. 1849 

No. 5 

Octr. 4th. 1849 

No. 6 
Octr. 5th. 1849 
AVill you oblige me so far as to cause the foregoing numbers and 
dates to be appropriately endorsed on my letters which you will 
have received before this, my Tth. 
I am, with great respect. 
Your obt. Servt. 

James S. Calmoun 

Indian Agent 
Col. W. Medill Santa Fe. 

Comr. of Ind. Affs. 

1 Colonel John Miinroe was in command of the Department of New Mexico, which was 
the Ninth Military Department. He exercised both civil and military functions which 
made his administration, like that of his predecessor, Colonel John M. Washington, subject 
for grave censure and the occasion for serious controversy between the military and the 
regular civil authorities. 

2 O. I. A., Santa ¥& Agency, C 3G8. 



44 COKEESPOJSTDEXCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

[CALHOUN TO MEDILL.'] 

No. 8. 

Indian Agency 

Santa Fe. New Mexico. 

Octoher 13th. 181^9. 
Sir, 

My intention to visit Jemez was announced to yon in my letter of 
the 5th inst. which should have been numbered 6. I reached Jemez 
on the afternoon of the 7th inst. and departed therefrom, on the 
morning of the 10th. 

In the first place, it is proper to state, during my stay at Jemez, 
not one word of reliable information was received from the Navajo 
tribe of Indians, who, through their -first and second Chiefs, had 
bound themselves, by the fifth article of a treaty,^ a copy of which 
was forwarded to you on the 25th of last month, (No 3) to be there 
in such a way as to comply with certain stipulations contained in 
said treaty. A^^iether they failed to be there by design, or were 
operated upon and kept away by the artful misrepresentations of 
theives, and robbers, and their associates^ is not yet revealed. It is 
a matter of no little import, in my opinion, to ascertain the cause of 
their absence, and I have put in requisition every thing at my com- 
mand for the purpose of ascertaining the facts in the case. In a 
very few days, I trust I shall be able to afford you some light upon 
this subject. 

AVhile at Jemez I met with the Governors — War Captains — Al- 
caldes, and other controlling individuals from twelve Pueblos — viz. 

12 3 4 5 

Jemez — Laguna — Acoma — Santo Domingo — San Juan — Santa 

6^7 8 9 10 11 

Clara — San Illdefonso — Namba — Pojoaque — Cia — Santa Anna — & 

12 
Sandia — No information, of a perfectly satisfactory character, can 
be obtained, as to the number of Pueblos — the number of inhabitants 
in each — and their respective languages — If, as far as it goes, the 
information in these particulars, transmitted to you in my letter of 
the 4th inst. (No 5.) and the statements made to me, at Jemez, by 
the most intelligent Indians, be correct, there are twenty three Pueb- 
los east of Zuiii — inclusive — of these, I am informed by intelligent 
Indians, (5) five use a language in common, without having sprung 
from a common tribe. Two of these are near Taos — two near Albuf- 
querque, and one below El Paso. There are six who have a com- 

1 O. I. A., Santa F6 Agency, C 368. 

2 House Ex. Doc, 31st Cong., 1st sess.. No. 5, Pt. I, pp. 113-115 ; Kappler, II, pp. 583- 
585. 



COERESPONDEXCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUX. 45 

mon language, peculiar to themselves, and altogether unknown to 
others — To seA^en others the same remarks are applicable — as their 
language differs from all others — Jemez has its own peculiar lan- 
guage, and so has Zuni — In relation to the languages of the Pueblos 
of Gleta, Socoro, and Seneco, I have found no one who could give 
me information upon the subject. 

It must be remembered, the Indians using the same language are 
not confined to the same section of country— For instance, of the 
five Pueblos, first spoken of, Taos and Pecoris are near Taos, seventy 
five miles north of Santa Fe — Sandia and Isletta are from sixty to 
eighty miles south of Santa Fe; and another Isleta, near El Paso, 
more than four hundred miles from the two first named. All the 
others lie between the extremes mentioned, running west about two 
hundred miles. 

The Indians informed me at Jemez, there were seven Pueblos of 
Moquies. six having a language of their own, and differing from all 

(first) 
others, and one the language of the six, before mentioned. 

The best information I could obtain, in relation to these people, 
them 
induces me to locate about one hundred miles west of Zuhi, 

in an excellent country, through which a road must run to the 
Pacific. Indeed, it is said, a large number of emigrants selected 
that route this season. They are supposed to be decidedly pacific 
in their character, opposed to all wars, quite honest, and very indus- 
trious — It is said, in years gone by, these Indians abandoned a 
village because its soil had been stained with the blood of a human 
being. I deeply regret that I have not been able to visit these, and 
all other Pueblos in this Country — that I might be able to lay before 
3'ou information, of a character, more precise and accurate. 

The Indians at Jemez, with one Voice, renew^ed their complaints 
of gross wrongs to which they have been compelled to submit — and 
the}^ are such too, as require immediate remedial measures — the law- 
lessness — the outrages of roving associations^ comprising all colors 
and dialects, can not be seen, and felt, and appreciated in Wash- 
ington as the truth would sanction—And even here, so much of it 
comes to our knowledge, we become more indifferent to our own 
possible fate every day. 

But a short time since, a band, said to be commanded by an Eng- 
lishman, well known in Santa Fe, ordered, in the name of the United 
States, the Pueblo of Laguna to furnish them with twenty five horses, 
and to call upon the Quarter Master, in Santa Fe, for payment — 
The order was promptly obeyed, and the Indians do not yet nnder- 
-tand the contrivance bv which they lost their horses — 



46 COEEESPONDEXCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

The frauds and impositions of certain Alcaldes, unknown to their 
laws, ought not to be endured, if their various statements are correct, 
and these Indians have not given me one reason to question their 
Veracity — 

It is a matter of no moment whether an Indian is in debt or not, a 
judgement can be obtained against him, which must be paid in 
cash, or the spirit of the 6th article of the Ordinance of 1787 is 
immediately Violated — 

Again; the Prefects, who, to some extent, govern, each, a district, 
the Alcaldes being subordinate, and their jurisdictions, so far as the 
Indians are concerned, confined to the Pueblos to which they are 
appointed, do not, in my opinion, use their authority, whatever it 
may be, without abusing it. Contributions upon their labor, and 

frequently 
property, are made by the law, or laws, which Alcaldes 

and Prefects munufacture to suit the occasion. Many facts of this 
character were mentioned to me, that it is useless to record for your 
reading. 

There are clever Alcaldes and Prefects in this Territory, who are 
not to be subjected to the above condemnatory suggestions — 

To understand the condition of these people, it must not be for- 
gotten, they hold possession of the lands which they occupy, and till, 

2 1 

by special grants, from the government of Mexico, or Spain^ 

The extent of these grants are not well understood here — 

That checkered throughout the whole country, of which I have 
any knowledge, old Spanish Villages are yet to be found — inhab- 
ited by — paying people — almost, in utter seclusion — The extent of 
the grants and priviledges to the proprietors of these Villages, is 
not yet known, and the spurious claims will be in proper form in 
time to meet the legislation of the Congress of the United States — 

Let me add, these Pueblo Indians pride themselves upon their 
Catholicism, without having abandoned the queer ceremonials of a 
very remote and superstitious parentage — and they make no prisoners 
in war. 

To the Indians at Jemez, I explained the relation in which they 
stood to the government of the United States — and to the powers 
controlling in New Mexico — They were made to comprehend the 
laws enacted by Congress for the government of our Indian rela- 
tions — and, as they understood the design and effect of said laws, 
they foreshadowed a better state of things, and they urged, with 
much emphasis, the application of these remedial measures to their 
present 

wants and necessities — To this end, four of the Pueblos have 
signified their wish to make a treaty — ^Vhat ought to he done? 



COREESPONDEXCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 47 

In a day or two I mux again have occasion to renew this subject, 
and will, if possible, condense, and present in one view, all the sugges- 
tions I have heretofore made in compliance with your instructions 
to me. 

I am, 

With very great respect, 
Your obt servt. 

J. S. Calhoun 
Indian Agent 
Santa Fe. 

New Mexico 
Col. W. Medill 

Comr. of Ind. Ajfs. 
Washington City 
D. G 

[CALHOUN TO MKDILL.^] 
No. 9. 



Sir- 



Santa Fe. Neav Mexico. 

Octr. H. ISlfi. 



It may not be amiss to advise you, that your letter of Instruction, 
of May the IMh,^ 1849, 
with accompanying papers is the last and only 

communication I have received from the Department since my de- 
parture from St Louis to this place. This information may be im- 
portant to the Department, inasmuch, as I am aware it was intended 
to give me special instructions in relation to Mexican Captives, so 
soon as the Mexican Minister should be more precise in compliance 
with the terms of the treaty betw^een the respective Governments. 

Sometime during the latter part of August, while we were out 
the 
on Navajo Expedition, a mail was received here, and despatched 
for Govr. Washington's Head Quarters. The carrier and his guide, 
were intercepted, killed, and the mail distributed to suit the fancy 
of the Indians then present, and it is said, they lost eight men be- 
fore they succeeded in overpowering Mr Charles Malone — the car- 
rier — and his Mexican guide. 

These murders were committed about the 5th of September last, 
near forty miles east of Tunicha, and one hundred and fifty west of 
Santa Fe, by Navajo Indians — These facts have been elicited by 
enquiries instituted by Govr. AVashington whose agent returned some 
eight or ten days since, and encourages the hope, a large portion of 

' O. I. A., Sivnta Fe Agency, C 368. 

- An office lettor of this date has not been found. 



48 COKEESPOXDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

the mail may yet be recovered. Let me add, however, by the lost 
mail, none came to this place to my address : a large package of news- 
papers were received, and despatched as before said. 

During m}^ absence at Jemez, a mail was received here, and \)y it, 
I received nought but a solitary letter from the States. Colonel 
Monroe is expected in Six or eight days, when it is hoped we may 
have some intelligence from home. 
With great respect, 
I am, 

Your obt Servt. 

J. S. Calhoun 
Indian Agent 
Santa Fe 

Neio Mexico 
Col. W. Meuill 

Comr. of Ind. Affs. 
Washington City 
D. C 

[CALHOUN TO MEDILL.'] 

No. 10. 

Indian Agency 

Santa Fe. 
New Mexico. 
Octr. 15. ISJfO. 
Sir, 

Before I proceed to the consideration of the primary objects of 
this communication, let me first premise, Governor Washington hns 
afforded me every possible facility in the execution of your instruc- 
tions of the 7th of April last. 

Where I have, in nw former letters, (or may in this,) refered to 
ascertained distances, I am indebted to Brvt. Maj. Kendrick of the 
Arty, a gentleman of distingTiished merit. 

Genl. Cyrus Choice, AVilliam E. Love,- and John G. Jones, have 
accompanied me in all my trips to the Indian Country, and Avere 
especially useful in the Navajo expedition — 

During my absence, Mr. John H. Davis had charge of my ollice. 
and its affairs, and conducted matters to my entire satisfaction. 

Andrew Lee, and Benjamin F. Lee, both from South Carolina, 
have rendered me very efficient aid, in various ways, in the dischar.'i'e 

1 O. I. A., Santa Po Agency, C 368. 

2 William E. Love was Calhoun's son-in-law, he.havinfr married Carolina Louisa, the 
elder of Calhoun's two daughters. The younger daughter, Martha Ann, married Juo. [1. 
Davis. 



COEEESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 49 

j of my duties. I may make the same remark of William H. Mitchell, 
whose general health has, somewhat, interfered with his efficiency. 

I may here state, I am under increased obligations to Judge Joab 
Houghton for valuable information, and for pointing out to me 
avenues, through which I might glean more. 

I may be pardoned, I trust, for saying, my efforts have been 
unceasing, and that I have avoided no exposure, either by night or 
day, in order to comply with your instructions; and, although, the 
compliance is not precise and accurate in every particular, yet, I am 
emboldened to say, with such aid, and such assistance, as I have 
named above, there must be a near approximation to a compliance, 
where a compliance has been possible; and, that it is sufficiently so, 
or will be, when this paper is completed, to enable the (lovernment at 
Washington to legislate, and order wisely in the premises — 

Recent information has confirmed me in opinions, heretofore, 
gravely impressed upon my mind ; and, I now the more readily pro- 
ceed to lay before you a summary, or rather a condensation of the 
suggestions contained in my previous letters, and such other sugges- 
tions, and facts^ as may, possibly, serve to some extent, to guide you 
in the management of our Indian affairs in this country, imder sudi 
laws as the Congress of the United States may be pleased to enact 
in relation thereto. 

On yesterday, or the preceding afternoon, as I am informed, a 
part of the lost mail, concerning which I wrote you on yesterday, 
(No 9.) was received by Governor Washington. 

It appears that Chapitone, the second in rank among the Xavajoes. 
was found by the Governor and others of Zuni. at Paguati, a small 
Pueblo belonging to, and about two leagues from Laguna — this oc- 
curred about the 8th of the present month — Chapitone stated that 
he and his people had gathered all the stolen property — collected 
together the captives, and had preparetl themselves in every way, 
to comply with the terms of the late treaty, and would have done so 
but for the statements of Mexican traders^ representing that all the 
l^leblo Indians — the Spaniards from the villages near the Pueblos, 
and American Troops, were marching to their country for the pur- 
pose of exterminating them, and taking possession of all that be- 
longed to them — Under the impressions made by the statements of 
these traders, they were frightened from their purpose of being at 
Jemez on the day appointed — It was then he resolved to ascertain 
from actual observation whether the reports of the traders were true 
or false— and therefore it was, he was at Paguati — He accom- 
panied the Zunies to Jemez, sent out a messenger who brought in the 
recovered portion of the lost mail, and sent word to Governor Wash- 
ington and myself, that he and others would be at San Isidora on the 

5021—15 4 



50 COEEESPONDEXCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUX. 

28tli or 29th of this month, prepared to comply with the terms of the 
treaty — These are the facts as gathered by my agents who Avere 
charged to go out, and enquire into this matter — ■ 

Sometime about the 5th of this month, at and near the Spanish 
Vilhige Le Bugarito, not more than fifteen miles north west of 
Laguna, Navajoes, and others unknow^n, attacked the people of said 
Village, in the day time, killed two Spaniards, and wounded one, 
and succeeded in carrying off, as a captive, a woman — 

This morning an Indian came in from Cochiti, a Pueblo on the 
west side of the Rio Grande, a few miles north of Santo Domingo, 
and informed Governor Washington, in my presence, that he and his 
friends had killed three Apaches the preceding day, overtaken in 
" the manner " of driving off sheep belonging to their village — He 
further said, there were a number of Apaches in the mountains be- 
yond Cochiti, who gave them much trouble by driving off their 
stock, killing their men, and making captives of their women and 
children — 

B^^This Indian, in behalf of the people of Cochiti, asked for 
munitions of War — 

The Governor, the Grand Captain, and the Captain of War, from 
Zuili, an Indian Pueblo, which you will remember is two hundred 
and one ^^ miles west of Santa Fe, has been with me to-day. 

These are intelligent, active, and athletic Indians, and stated their 
grievances with great energy, and were especially vehement and 
vindictive in their denunciations of the faithlessness of all Nava- 
joes — they represented, they had been greatly harrassed since we left 

so 
their village on the 16th of September last — that where ever they 
went, the}' were under the necessity of going guarded and armed, and 
that they had to watch their horses, mules, and sheep, during every 
hour of the twenty four. 

m^^These people asked for arms and ammunition, and permission 
to make a war, of extermination, against the Navajoes. 

The deputation from Zuiii, also stated, there were five hundred 
and fifty five able-bodied men in their village, and only thirty two 
fire arms, and less than twenty rounds, each, for said arms.* They 
spoke confidently of their ability to protect and defend ^Aemselves 
against the aggressions of the Navajoes and Apaches, and if per- 
mitted to form a combination of Pueblos, they could and would ex- 
terminate these tribes, especially every Navajo who should be so un- 
to 
fortunate as be caught south of the high mountains north of the 
San Juan, a supposed tributary to the western Colorado, provided 
the Government of the United States would furnish the necessary 



COKKESPONDENCE OP JAMES S. CALHOUN. 51 

fire arms, ammunition, and subsistence. That a combination, as sug- 
gested above, could accomplish the end so desired t>y them^ admits 
not of the slightest doubt, notwithstanding the ties existing between 
the Xavajoes — Utahs, and Apaches, backed as they might be by the 
Comanches: provided, that Mexicans from either side of the line be- 
tween the United States and Mexico, and all others, were effectually 
prevented from the indiscriminate and viscious commerce now open 
to them, and against which, there seems to be, at this time, not the 
slightest impediment. 

While at Zuni, I saw several Mexican traders^ who hailed from 
various places, all however, on our side of the supposed boundary 
line between the United States and Mexico, They informed me they 
had travelled through the Apache Country from the Eio Grande, 
west, a great distance on the Gila river, in the direction of the Colo- 
rado. They spoke of the Apaches as good people, who had treated 
them kindly, which fact is not to be doubted, and although it was 
true, that these Indians had a number of Mexican captives, they 
were, nevertheless, friendly with, and peaceably disposed towards 

States, 
the people of the United and guiltless of outrages, gen- 

erally — 

So long as these wandering merchants are perniitted a free and 
unrestrained access to the wild and roving Indians of this country, 
just so long are we to be harrassed by them, and their allies, the 

of the peace, 
various bands of robbers, and other disturbers to be 

found east, west, north, and south, and A^hose agents these mer- 
chants may be— It is through the medium of these traders that arms 
and ammunition are supplied to the Indians who refuse submission 
to our authority — These traders go where the}'^ please without being 
subjected to the slightest risk; but one, not of the fraternity, dare not 
advance an inch abroad without risking life and property. Why is 
it that these trader's have no fears, no apprehensions, and pass in 
every direction through the country roamed over by the Comanches, 
Apaches, Navajoes, and Utahs, unharmed in person or property, 
when these same Indians show by their conduct a determined and 
eternal hostility to all Mexicans, and others, who remain quietly at 
home, and whose towns and children, and property of every kind, 
are unsafe beyond the shadow of their own domicils? 

The question can not be answered in such a way. as to justify a 
further toleration of these travelling merchants, who are daily creat- 
ing much anxiety among, and bewildering many of the Indians of 
the various Pueblos, by attempting the impression that the Govern- 
ment of the United States are unable. to hold possession of this coun- 
try — that the Mexican Government, at this time, has twenty five thou- 



52 CORKESPONDEXCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

sand troops marchino-. or ready to march into Xew Mexico for the 
puriDOse of reconcjuering, and re-possessing the ceded domain; and 
that extermination will be the fate of all Indians who are found in 
alliance with, or claiming the protection of the United States: and 
further, if it were possible, and none but a very wild imagination can 
think it possible, that the Americans should continue to hold the 
country, the fate of all Indians is fixed, as nothing will satisfy the 
American people short of the entire possession of their whole coun- 
try, and their utter extermination — to this may be added, the crafty 
misrepresentations of loic'ked priests, aided by the robbing and thiev- 
ing instincts of others, have also contrived to give circulation to false- 
hoods of every line, for the purpose of alienating these people, and 
causing them to beleive the Americans were more heartless and 
untruthful than their former oppressors, and more insatiable in their 
purposes upon their property than the banded robbers of the moun- 
tains — 

The whole oliject of these people is to keep American settlers out 
of the country as long as possible; for their presence might lessen the 
power of some, and throw impediments in the way of others, so as 
to check their present impositions and frauds upon the Indians, and 
put an earlier end to their designs upon the lands of this country, in 
covering the most desirable spots with fictitious grants — I do not 
pssert, that all these mischeivous people are under preconcerted ar- 
rangements: but the tendency of their efforts point to a common 
end — 

a 

There is scarcely day passes, that a deputation from some one or 
more of the Pueblos, does not come to me with statements confirma- 
tory of what is herein stated, and the facts noted in my jDrevious 
communications — and the question comes up. ought not some effective 
remedial measures to be adopted at once? 

Before I conclude this letter. I will shoAv, what to me, is very plain, 
the measures that should be adopted for the government of the Indian 
tribes in this far off region. 

First then, the Pueblos. 

You are already ajDprized of the fact, if Ave include the Mochies 

each 
only beyond Zuni^these people of various tongues. unknown to 

respective 
the tribes of their origins, are to be found in villages, 

(Pueblos) at uncertain distances from each other, in an extent of 
country near four hundred miles, square. Their Pueblos are built 
with direct reference to defence, and their houses are from one to six 
gtories high, and not one is reached, in the ordinary way, except by 



COEEESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 53 

J adders — these, and all other Indians of this country, send out 
mounted warriors only — Foot soldiers remain at home, and fight on 
foot, only when their Pueblos are assaulted. 

The rapidity of the movements of all Indian warriors — or robbers — 
?how the utter worthlessness of Infantry, except to take care of 
localities and property — 

To remove and consolidate the Indians of the various Pueblos at 
a common point, is out of the question — the general character of 
their houses, are superior to those of Santa Fe — they have rich val- 
leys to cultivate — grow quantities of corn and wheat, and raise vast 
herds of horses, mules, sheep and goats — ail of which, may be im- 
mensely increased by properly stimulating their industry, and in- 
structing them in the agricultural arts — For the reasons, in an 
economical point of view, heretofore given, the Government of the 
United States should instruct these people in their agricultural pur- 

a 
suits — they are valuable, and available people, and as firmly 
fixed in their homes, as any one can be in the United States. 

Their lands are held by Spanish and Mexican grants — to what 
extent is unknown — and in their religion, they are Catholics, with a 
certain admixture of an early superstition, with its ceremonials; all 
of which attaches them to the soil of their fathers — the soil upon 
which they came into existence, and the soil upon which they have 
been reared — and their concentration is not advisable — 

But, in considering this subject, it must not be forgotten, there 
are a few old Spanish villages to be found in the vicinity of, per- 
haps, all the Pueblos — and the extent of their grants and privileges 
is not yet known, and judicial proceedings, only, can reveal the truth 

is country of the 

in relation to these matters — In this way ft^ethe Indian 
Pueblos checkered, and the difficulties in relation to a disposition of 
them suggested. 

Santa Anna, as Maj. Weightman, a gentleman, and a very intelli- 

in 1843, 
gent lawyer informs me, decreed that one born in Mexico, 

was a Mexican Citizen, and, as such, is a voter; and therefore, all the 
Pueblo Indians are voters — But, still, the exercise of this privilege 
was not known, prior to what is termed, an election, the last one in 
this territory — I understand this was a hurried affair, and manage- 
able voters picked up at what ever place found and this arose from 
their extreme anxiety to secure the services of an exceedingly clever 
man, the Hon. Hugh N. Smith as the delegate of certain influential 
Citizens of this territory — 

Under this view of the subject, what will you do with them? 



5i COEEESPONDEXCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

sooner or later. 
They must become Citizens. of the United States; 

and if there was a State or territoiy to be formed immediately west 
of the Rio Grande. I should not hesitate to say, these Pueblo Indiai'S 
are entitled to all the rights and privileges of citizens of the United 
States, as mere voters — As to the rights which it may have been de- 
signed to confer iii^on them under the 9th. Art. of the late treaty, I 
venture not an opinion. If Congress must give to this country a 
territorial government, they must of necessity, include the Spanish, 
and if there be such, Mexican villages too, that are found in the 
neighborhood of the Pueblos. If the Pueblo Indians are to be taxed, 
they are from, their general intelligence^ and prohity as much entitled to 
select their agents^ as the mass of New Mexico — But, for the present, 
unless a territorj-, or State, is to be organized on the western side of 
the Rio Grande, these people should be subjected only, to the laws 
passed by the Congress of the United State — ^^^The Mexicans 
and the PueMo Indians, have not one feeling in common — 

It is a subject of great delicacy, yet, I apprehend, it is easier to 
dispose of the tribes of roving Indians, than the better, and more 
civilized Pueblo Indians. 

In disiDosing of the '' savage " Indians, the most vexatious, trouble- 
some, and delicate questions will arise from our obligations as re- 
corded in the 11th Art. of the before referred to treaty — At all 
hazards, and without reference to cost, the Government of the United 
States, will, to the letter, and to the spirit, comply with our every 
pledge, and redeem our every undertaking — 

It is not necessary- to repeat to you, that the Apaches, although 
frequently roving east of the Rio Grande, their conceded localities, 
and the great mass of them, when at home, are to be found on the 
west side of the aforesaid river — and on both sides of the boundary 
line between the United States and Mexico, as indicated by the maps, 
running west, several hundred miles to, or near, the Pimo Villages — 
Here are to be found a majority of the caiytlces to be delivered up, 
under the before mentioned treaty — Here are a people, who feed 
on game, the spontaneous products of the soil, and the fruit of other 
people's labor. Here it is, the boundary line will present a barrier to 
the castigations which these Indians should receive — Here you will 
find about an equal number upon each side of the boundary line, 
all alike committing depredations; and it may be, we shall be called 
upon to pa}^ millions on account of the doings of Mexican Aimclies 
whose bad deeds will be charged to those on our side of the line — the 
one not being better than the other — 

Here too, the most delicate questions will arise. How are these 
people to subsist if you ejfectually check, and stop their depredations ? 



COEEESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 55 

How are you to comply with your obligations under the aforesaid 
11th Art. without invading foreign territory? 

To establish a proper state of affairs in this country, with the 

States 
economy which the Government of the United should, and will, 

ever observe, requires a strong arm — and a prompt arm, guided by 
an enlightened patriotism, and a generous spirit of humanity — 

^^Expend your milJioii no%L\ if necessary, that you may avoid the 
expenditure of millions hereafter — 

The Comanches and Apaches, with all the adjacent fragments of 
other tribes, must be penned up; and this should be done at the 
earliest possible day. 

If the Navajoes comply with the treaty as entered into with Gov- 
ernor Washington and myself, it is beleived the Utahs will ask 
for a similar treaty — there are strong indications of a disposition to 
yield upon their part, independent of the course which the Navajoes 
may pursue. But, suppose these tribes continue to withhold their 
submission to our authority, and to war upon our interest, it will be 
absolutely necessary to remove and concentrate these people^ 

To what localities should these wild tribes be confined? 

Can the foregoing question be discreetly answered without a thor- 
ough knowledge of this country? and can such thorough knowledge 
be obtained without a thorough exploration? I affirm that it can not 
be done, and without an additional number of mounted troops, such 

made 
an exploration can not be at an early day. 

If I had authority to do so, I could make treaties with all these 
tribes; and they would comply with every stipulation just so long as 
you have an arm raised to strike them; and no longer — provided 
they are permitted to roam as heretofore. But confine them to 
certain limits — restrict intercourse with them, and instruct them, 
and compel them to cultivate the soil — When you have thus sub- 
jugated, and caused them to feel and appreciate your power, then 
the proper time Mill have arrived when presents, to a limited extent 
will have a salutary influence in awakening their pride of person, 
and creating a love, a desire for some of the luxuries of life, for, 
until a man has reached that point, he has made but a slight advance 
in civilization. 

Let it be remembered, the Navajoes have all the tiecessaries of 
life — and grow large quantities of corn and wheat, raise immense 
fl<xks of sheep and goats, and a great number of fine horses and 
mules — and rob, and murder, and seize captives, because it is a busi- 
ness of life in which they delight — 

In reference to the number of Pueblo Indians, east of the Mochies, 
wliich includes the Pueblos named in No. 5 I have come to the con- 



56 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

elusion it can not be put down at less than twelve thousand, and it 
would not surprise me, if it should reach fifteen thousand. We ven- 
tured to guess while at Zuiii, at the number of its people; and no one 
supposed it to exceed six hundred, all told — It now appears they 
have five hundred and fifty five warriors, which does not include boys 
under sixteen years of age, or old men. If this be true, and I do not 
question the fact, the aggregate number of inhabitants in Zuiii, will 
reach two thousand: and I have no reason to beleive, the estimates 
as to other Pueblos, are more correct, than was the estimate for Zufii. 

I do not feel at liberty, at present, to disturb the estimates as for- 
warded to your office by the late Governor Bent — I will remark, 
however, it is advisable to reduce the number of tribes, in any general 
classification which may be made by authority of the Government of 
the United States — for there are a number of fragments of tribes, 
being the product of amalgamations, who are not entitled to the con- 
sideration of distinct tribes, and they should be compelled to an 
association with one or the other of the amalgamating parties, and 
located and considered accordingly — Without alluding to the In- 

of New 
dians of the Arkansas, I would reduce all the roving tribes 
Mexico, 

to four, the Comanches— Apaches — Navajoes, and Utahs. 

It would ill become me, to venture an opinion as to the proper dis- 
States 
position of the United military force now in this country: 

that duty is confided to an abler head. But as preventive measures, 
and as measures too, of a defensive character, allow me to submit, 
with all due respect, the following suggestions and recommenda- 
tions — 

found 

I repeat the suggestions to be in my previous letters — 

1. The presence of Agents in various places in the Indian coun- 
try, is indispensably necessary — their presence is demanded by every 
principal of humanity — by every generous obligation of kindness — 
of protection, and good government throughout this vast territory. 

m^^These agents should be entrusted with Ordnance and Ord- 
nance Stores, to be used as emergencies might require, under the 
direction of a general superintendent, and should be selected, not 
only with regard to their prudence and discretion, but with a view 
to the proper training of the Pueblo Indians, in the efficient use of 
our arms — 

I design preparing, to accompany this communication, a diagram, 
Indian 
exhibiting my view of the localities, and pointing out the 



COEKESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 57 

most appropriate places for the residence of agents; and from which 
you will perceive how easily the depredations of Utahs, Navajoes, 

of the 
and a portion Apaches, may be checked, by a proper use of the 

nde 
arms which I have recomme d to be placed in charge of Indian 
Agents. 

By keeping up a proper line of communication between the 
Pueblos, and other places in this territory, it will be no difficult mat- 
ter to intercept roving bands of robbers, no matter what their color 
may be, so soon as it is ascertained from what quarter they proceed; 
and that may be done unerringly by an examination of their trail — 

That I may be distinctly understood upon this point, look at the 
location of Laguna — Zuni — Jemez, and other places — Ncvv- the Ord- 
nance and Ordnance Stores, under the control as before suggested, 
would enable these people, effectually, to protect themselves against 

time, 
their implacable enemies, and at the same a vigorous and rapid 

movement along the line of comuiunication between the Pueblos, and 
other points, would give them the additional and important power 
of intercepting those who should dare to penetrate towards the heart 
of New Mexico. 

will show. 

The rough diagram ^ which will be hereto appended, why 

it is. with the views herein expressed, I recommend 

1st. The establishing of a full agency at Taos, or near that place, 
for the Utahs — and Pueblos of that neighborhood — 

2. Also, a full agency at, and for Zuhi — and the Navajoes — 

3. A full agency at Socoro, a military post, south of Alburquerque, 
now being established— the agent of this place to look after the 
Apaches, and Comanches, and the Pueblo of Isletta, north — 

Sub-agents should be sent to San Illdefonso, or near there — to 
Jemez Laguna — and at the military post near El Paso — 

These agents and sub-agents, are absolutely necessary to an eco- 
nomical administration of our Indian affairs, in this territory — 
It is my honest opinion, that for the ensuing year, at least, a sub- 
agent should be in every Pueblo — the whole to be under the direction 
of a general superintendent, who would be compelled to have one 
or more clerks — 

I am aware, that, possibly, I may be twitted concerning my no- 
tions of economy in these recommendations, but, it will be by no one 

the subject 
who has maturely considered in all its various bearings — 

Adopt my suggestions in all their breadth — especially those in ref- 

' See map (No. 1^ in pocket. 



58 COEEESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALIIOUX. 

erence to the appointing of agents, and depositing with them Ord- 
nance and Ordnance Stores — and properly stimulating and direct- 

and it 
ing the industry of the Pueblos, will give quiet and tranquility 

to this entire territory — and materially reduce the now necessary 
expenditures of the government here — the labor of the country will 
be protected — the quantity of subsistence stores will be annually in- 
creased, and the prices greatly diminished, and millions \n\\\ be saved 
to the Government, that must be expended as at present conducted, 
and this I say, after due deliberation, and without intending the 
slightest disrespect to any human being — 
here 
The powers have neither the authority, or the means to reduce 
to order the chaotic mass in this territory — and the Government at 
Washington has not thoroughly comprehended the diversity, and the 
magnitude of the difficulties to be overcome — 

In conclusion, I still think it important to allow a few of the 
Pueblo Indians to visit Washington City — Some of them are ex- 
tremely anxious to do so. 

Commending this communication to your indulgent criticisms, and 
refering you to the appendix, 
I have the honor to be, 

Your very obt. Servant 

James S. Calhoun 
Ind. Agt. 

Santa Fe. N. M. 
Col. W. Medill 

Comr. of Ind. Affs. 

Washing/ton City 

D. C. 

*Mr. F. Brown, an American, assisted in taking this census, and 
says there are 597 men & 42 muskets & rifles — and 555 men without 
firearms. 

[CALHOUN TO EWING.'j 

Santa Fe, New Mexico, 

October 16, IS.'^f). 
Sie: I forward to you, for the information of whom it may con- 
cern, the printed "JournaP of the Convention of the Territory of 
New Mexico." It is stated that the election for delegates to the con- 

iThis letter is missing from the Indian Office files but the text of it is printed in 
Senate Ex. Docs., 31st Cong., 1st sess., No. 18, p. 219 ; also in House Ex. Doc, 31st Cong., 
1st sess.. No. 17, p. 90. 

2 Printed with the letter that covered it. 



COEEESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 59 

vention was held " in conf ormitj^ with the proclamation of Lieutenant 
Colonel Beall, civil and military commandant," &c., &c. I have not 
been able to i3rocure a copy of the proclamation; therefore, one is not 
enclosed to you. 

Before the honorable Hugh N. Smith left Washington, he informed 
me that Governor Washington had refused to approve, or rather to 
recog-nise officially, the actings and doings of the convention. 
All of which I submit to you without an additional remark. 
I am, with great respect, your obedient servant, 

J. S. Calhoun 
Hon. T. EwiNG, 

Secretary of the Interior^ W ashington city^ D. C. 

[CALHOUN TO EWING.'] 

No. 11. 

Santa Fe, New Mexico. 

Oct. 18. 18k9. 
Sir, 

It may be important to the Government of the United States, un- 
doubtedly important to many of the inhabitants of said States, that 
the accompanying "Table- of Marches &c." should be made public. 
For the "Table &c." as will be seen by a reference to it, I am in- 
debted to that liberal and enlightened officer, H. L. Kendrick., Bvt. 
Maj. U. S. A who on every occasion, so far as I have seen, or beleive, 
has manifested every becoming disposition, to furnish all the infor- 
mation which he could command, for the general good ; and I know of 
no gentleman who could surpass him in successfully advancing the 
general good — 

With great respect. 

Your Obt. Servt. 

J. S. Calhoun. 

Hon. 

T. EWING 

Sec. of the Intr. 

Washington City 

D C 

10. I. A., Santa Fe Agency, C 368; Senate Ex. Doc, 31st Cong., 1st sess., No. 18, p. 
220 ; also House Ex. Doc, 31st Cong., 1st sess.. No. 17, p. 91. 

2 Recorded as having been sent to J. Gales, Esq., December 27, 1840. It is printed 
in House Ex. Doc, 31st Cong., 1st sess., No. 17, p. 92, and in Senate Ex. Doc, 31st Cong., 
1st sess.. No. 18, p. 221. 



GO COKEESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

[CALHOUN TO MEDILL.^] 

No. 12. 

Indian Agency 
Santa Fe, New Mexico, 

Oct 25th. 18Jf9. 
Sir. 

My communication, No. 5, of the 4th of this month, stated in a 
p. s. that " The Pueblo Indians who accompanied Govr. Washington 
in his late Navajo expedition," had been satisfied for their services 
by an arrangement with a merchant — 

^A'Tien the foregoing statement was made to you, I supposed it was 
an arrangement effected by the Government chief in this territory — 
To-day, I have learned otherwise; and further, that all had not 
become parties to the mercantile arrangement, into which, some of 
their associates had voluntarily entered — But, it is -.aid, all of said 
Indians will, after a while, come into terms — 

The complainings of these Indians are exceedingly unpleasant to 
me; but they are not unjust — and such wrongs should he remidied. 
I am, 

With great respect 
Your Obt. Servt. 

J. S. Calhoun, 
Ind. Agt. 
Col. Medill, 

Washington City., 
B.C. 

[CALHOUN TO CRAWFORD."] 

Santa Fe, New Mexico. 

Octv. 27th 18If9. 
To the 

Hon. G. W. Crawford, 

Sec. of War. 

I hope sir, you will pardon me for this intrusion — The accompany 
ing ^'■memorandum,'''' will show the object I have in view. 

Lt. Burnside ^ is a relation of the family in Georgia of that name ; 
a graduate of West Point, and an intelligent, active, and promising 
officer; and it would be exceedingly agreeable to me, as I doubt not 

1 O. I. A., Santa F6 Agency, C 368. 

2 A. G. O., C 47 of 1849 ; C 245 of 1849. 

3 Ambrose Everett Burnside of Indiana, a leading general, on the Union side, in the 
Civil War. 



COEKESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 61 

it would be to j-ou, in years to come, if you can, with fro])Tiety^ 
gratify him, as is indicated in the " memorandum " enclosed — 

That you may not be misled by what I have here written, I beg to 
advise you, Mr Burnside is a cousin of my son-in-law, Mr Jno. H. 
Davis, and I may be permitted to say, that circumstance can not 
render him less meritorious. 

Have you time to say one word in reply? 
Very respectfully, 

J. S. Calhoun 

[Inclosure.] 
MEMORANDUM FOR COL " CALHOUN — 

My proper promotion is in the 2d Artillery — I am now in the 3d — 
The mistake occurred in this way — The death of Lieut C. J. Minor 
3d Arty was not heard of before the promotions were made : also the 
resignation of Maj Wm W Mackall of his " line appointment " was 
not received in time — neither of these were considered in making 
the jDromotions, — I spoke to Lt Col L. Thomas Asst Adjt Genl " on 
the subject in the " City of Mexico," and he told me that the case 
was so perfectly plain that I need have no fear about the transfer 

I afterwards met him on the " Ohio Eiver," and gave him my ap- 
plication for the transfer in person — I have heard nothing from it 
since — It makes a difference of six or seven files in my promotion — 
A statement of the promotions may be found in the iVdjt Genl's office 
with mv application for the transfer — 
Col "^ 

Will you be so kind as to use your influence in seeing that I 
get my rights — 

Vy Rspy Yr Obt Svt 

A. E. BuRNsmE, 

Lieut 3d Arty 

[CALHOUN TO MEDILL.'] 

No. 13. 

Indian Agency 
Santa Fe, Xew Mexico. 

Octr. 27. 1849. 
Sir, 

Col. Monroe, our neiv Governor, came into this City a few days 

military 
ago, and assumed the command of this department. By 

' O. I. A., Santa ¥€ Agency, C 3GS. 



62 COBEESPONDEXCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

him, I had hoped to have received some additional light, such addi- 
tional instructions as m}^ earlier communications might have sug- 
gested, as necessary — 

I am yet without the slighest intelligence from the States; and I 
must repeat, the mail facilities are not such as we are entitled to, 
and that it is, infinitely, of more importance to the Government at 
Washington than to us — the controlling powers should be advised 
more promptly in reference to the various sinuosities daily perpe- 
trated in this far off region. 

The truth in relation to governmental affairs here, is not under- 
stood at Washington; and until we are brought more immediately 
under the proper supervisory eye, nothing of a highly reputable char- 
acter may be expected to transpire in this territory; and how can a 
proper supervision be had without certain means of receiving early 
intelligence, and promptly transmitting orders? 
I am, 

Very respectfully 
Your obt Servt 

J. S. Calhoun 
Ind. Agt 
Col. Medill 

Comr. of Ind. Ajfs. 

Washington City 
D. C 

[CALHOUN TO MEDILL.^] 

No. 14 

Indian Agency 
Santa Fe, New Mexico 

Octr. 28th. 18k9 
Sir, 

The Quarter Master having arranged to despatch a mail for the 
States, on to-morrow, my agent at Jemez was directed to advise me 
as to the compliance of the Navajoes with their promise to be at 
San Isidoro on the 2Tth, (yesterday) in time, to give you by the mail, 
whatever might have transpired 

This evening, at about 8 O'clk the courier came in with the intel- 
ligence that up to the moment of his leaving San Isidoro. this morn- 

1 O. I. a., Santa F6 Agency, C 368. 



COKEESPOXDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 63 

ing, not one word had been heard from the Navajoes. He brought 
to me a note from my agent, confirmatory of his statement. 
The reports of robberies, and murders continue to come in upon us. 
I am, 

With great respect, 

Your Obedient Servant, 

J. S. Calhoun 

Ind. Agt. 
Col. W. Medill 

Gomr. of Ind. Afs. 

Washington City 

D. G. 

[CALHOUN TO MEDILL.'] 

No. 15 

Indian Agency 
Santa Fe, New Mexico. 

Octoher 29th. 1849. 
Sir, 

The arrival of an express during the past night, brought to us such 
intelligence as to cause the issuing of an order, by Col, Monroe, 
postponing the departure of the mail for the United States. 

Four or five days ago, Mr, Spencer, an American Merchant of this 
City, on his return from a recent visit to the United States, accom- 
panied by a gentleman whose name I do not remember at this mo- 
ment, in passing a well known camping ground, ' Point of Eocks,' 
saw the dead bodies of Mv White and five or six others of his party, 
recently from St Louis — They also noticed a baggage waggon upset, 
and broken into pieces, and what is yet more horrible, some Pueblo 
Indians were met the ensuing day, who stated they were just from 

saw 
the Camp of the Apaches, and there an American female with 

her little daughter — supposed to have been the wife and daughter 
of Mr White — It is known they were of the party, and no trace of 
a female was discovered by Mr Spencer, or his companion at the 
' Point of Kocks.' 

P)Ut it is not to be presumed that these gentlemen remained long 
enough upon the ground to have ascertained, accurately all the facts 
the horrible scene might have disclosed. What they saw was by the 
light of the moon; and that the perpetration was of so recent a mo- 
ment, as to admonish them that the hot breath of the Indians might 
be near enough to be scented ; they therefore hastened on to Las 

1 O. I. A., Santa F€ Agency, C 368. 



64 COKKESrONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUX. 

Vegas, and were seventy eight hours without rest. From Las Vegas, 
Mr. Spencer transmitted a communication, by express, which I read 
a few moments since, announcing the facts as stated above — 

As you will perceive by an examination of the Schedule of distances 
forwarded to you in my niunber 11., the ' Point of Rocks ' are one 
hundred and sixty two -^ miles N. E. of Santa Fe, eighty nine -^ 
miles from Las Vegas, and about twenty miles, in the same direction, 
from Red River — and two hundred and forty -f^ South west of the 
Arkansas Crossing. 

The caiions, and valleys of Red river afford the usual route 
through which these Indians pass, a very considerable distance, in 
making for the Rio del Norte — When they suppose American troops 
are in vigorous pursuit of them, they at once make for the Rio del 
Norte, cross it, and push on to, or near the boundary line between the 
United States and Mexico, ready to rest, for a time, on the discreet 
side of it — 

Col. Monroe has not disclosed his purposes yet ; but one thing is 
certain, the most vigorous measures should be pushed forward with- 
out one moments delay, and when this is done, as it doubtless will be 
by Col. Monroe, the Government of the United States will not have 
sustained its ancient reputation for protecting its citizens, and cha^> 
tising their enemies. The military force in this territory is not suffi- 
cient — 

The liberation of Mrs White and her daughter, is, to me, a matter 
of deepest concern. But being entirely destitute of the means neces- 
sary to an efficient and prompt action in the premises, I am left to 
lament the impotency of my arm, and if the two captives are not 
to be liberated, it is to be hoped they are dead. An effort must and 

can 
shall be made for their liberation, and I regret that I not put 

it forward at this moment — A purely military effort, in my opinion, 
can not be successfully made — and I had determined to select an 
Indian — and a Mexican trader, and send them forthwith in the sup- 
posed direction of the retreat of the Apaches — offering such induce- 
ments to them as would secure the end, if that end be attainable; but 
Col. Monroe designs a move of some kind, and is unAvilling to do 
so without further and more precise information: and that further 
information, I apprehend, can not be acquired during this day, and 
every moments delay lessens the probability of a successful effort. 
I was, a moment since, in consultation with the Colonel upon this 
subject, and he is determined to do all in his power to rescue the 
captives the moment the facts in the case are sufficiently ascertained. 

Conflicting efforts must not be attempted. 

I have just secured the services of a mexican trader, who knows 
the Apaches well, their haunts and trails. This man is well known tc 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 65 

respectable people here, as a daring, fearless, and withal, a discreet 
man — I promised to pay him one thousand dollars, and other gra- 
tuities, if he succeeds in bringing in to me Mrs White and her 
daughter — He goes out quietly, but rapidly, as a trader, and if he 
finds the objects of his search, will doubtless secure them. I made 
him understandj the same inducements would be held out to other 
parties, and that the reward should be paid, promptly, to the suc- 
cessfid and, relying upon the just action of the Government of the 
United States, I shall most certainly, and cheerfully redeem my 
every promise in this matter — and I may be pardoned for adding, if 
the money jDromised was the last cent I could command on earth, and 
I without the slightest hope of its reimbursement, it should not be 
the less promptly paid upon the happening of the contingency which 
induced the reward. 

In less than one hour from the time I had an interview with this 
trader he was off, manifesting the greatest confidence in his ability 
to command success — If I can quietly, and in a way, that can not by 
the remotest possibility conflict with Col. Monroe's efforts, I will 
induce other parties to go out, and hope to send another off, in a 
different direction on to-morrow morning. 

The sad event at the ' Point of Rocks ' has caused the delay of 
several of my communications to you — as the Hon, H. N. Smith, the 
delegate to Congress selected by a convention in this City, had them 
in charge, and hearing of the murder of Mr White and the male 
portion of his party before progressing so far as the ' Point of 
Rocks ' on his journey to Washington City, has returned to Las Vegas. 
to await further developments — I exceedingly regret the delay 
on account of the various important suggestions and recommenda- 
tions contained in my letters, and which I desired you to receive be- 
fore the President's Message should be sent to Congress, for, if there 
ever was a time for energetic and prompt action in this territory, 
this is the time — and the winter should not prevent campaigns — 

contained in No. 10. 

BI^^ One word more — If my recommendations, 
which I earnestly renew, in reference to Agents, and Ordnance and 
Ordnance Stores should be adopted, a larger number of the troops 
now in the territory might be usefully and successfully employed in 
a winter expedition against the Apaches and their allies — 

B^^Give me four companies of Dragoons, and allow me to organ- 
ise a force from the Pueblo Indians, with the means to subsist them, 
and to pay them, and my life for it, in less than six months I will so 
tiime the Navajoes and Utahs that you will scarcely hear of them 
again — In such an expedition I should desire authority to conduct 
it without being controlled by any one in this Department, and no 
oilier Government ofRcers, except the proper connnanders of the 



66 COEEESPOiv^DEXCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

Dragoons — I should desire to select 1113' own Quarter Masters and 
commissaries, and to give to them such directions as would stimulate 
to the utmost extent, the energies of the Pueblo Indians — ■ I will 

add 
only by adding four companies of Infantry, to guard posts and 

public Stores — and sending out proper scientific men, that whole 

time 
country should at the same be thoroughly explored— 

The foregoing is respectfully submitted, wdth an earnest request 
that it be immediately placed before the Chief of the Department, 
and I have the honor to be, 



Your obt. Servt. 



James 8. Calhoun 

Ind. Agent 



Col. W. Medill 

Com. of Ind. Affs. 

Washington City 

D. G. 

[CALHOUN TO MEDILL.'] 

No. 16. 

Indian Agency. 
Santa Fe, New Mexico: 
Oct. 30. 181^9— '7 o'dk, p. m. 
Sir, 

At the last moment, before the closing of the mail for the United 
States, I ask for permission to say, that I have to-day, sent out three 
additional parties in search of Mrs White and her daughter — and I 
have offered to each party, rewards that they hesitated not to say 
were entirely satisfactory. They did not intimate a desire that the 
reward for their services should be increased — and I know of nothing 
more that I can do, as the representative of your department, for the 
recovery of Mrs White and her daughter — But, I will not sleep ; and 

or rather attempt 
if I see wdiat more I may accomplish no matter at 

what cost, it shall me done. 

What Col. Monroe has done, if any thing; or what he may design 
to do, I know not — nor is it my pi'ivilege to know — 
Yeiy respectfully 

Your obt Servt. 

J. S. Calhoun 

Ind. Agt. 
Col. W. Medill 

Comr. of Ind. Affs. 

Washington City 

D. C. 

^ O. 1. A., Santa F6 Agency, C 368. 



COEKESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 67 

[CALHOUN TO EWING.'] 

Sa:nta Fe, New Mexico, Noveinber i, 18]^9. 
Sir: Xot until last evening was I aware of the existence of execu- 
tive document No. 60, ordered to be published on the 28th of April, 
1818 ; otherwise the labor of preparing my communication of the 25th 
of September last would have been saved, and you the trouble of its 
receipt. 

At the time the document was ordered to be printed, I was in 
Cuernavaca, Mexico, to which fact I attribute my ignorance of the 
publication. In addition to which, the secretary of state for this 
Territory could give me no information as to the transmission of 
copies of the paj)ers to Washington city — such as I forwarded to you. 
^^''ith great respect, your obedient servant, 

J. S. Calhoux 
Hon. T. EwixG, 

Secretary of Intenor. Washington city. 

[CALHOUN TO BROWN."] 

No. 17 

Indian Agency 

Santa Fe, New Mexico, 

Now. 1st. 18 ltd. 
Sir, 

I am, this moment, in receipt of your communications of the 13th 
& IGth of July last — the first instructing in reference to a Census of 
Indian tribes, and the latter enclosing a blank Bond, both of which 
shall receive my earliest possible attention — 

This is sent to Las Vegas with the hope of there overtaking the 
mail that left here on yesterday morning. 
In great haste. 

Your obt. Servt. 

J. S. Calhoun 

Ind. Agt. 
Orlando Brown Esqr. 

Gomr. of Ind. Affs. 

Washington City 
D. G. 

1 Senate Ex. Doc, 31st Cong., 1st sess., No. 18, p. 226; House Ex. Doc, 31st Cong., 
ls?t ROSS., No. 17, p. 229. This letter was received by the Indian Office, January 10. 1850 ; 
see L. R.. No. 37. 

^O. I. A., Santa F^ Agency, C 368. 



68 COEEESPONDEJs'CE OF JAMES S. CALHOUJST. 

[CALHOUN TO BROWN.'] 

No. 18. 

Indian Agency 

Santa Fe, New Mexicxj 

Now. 2nd 18 ltd. 
Sir, 

On yesterday, after the departure of the mail which carried my 
letters for you, numbered from 7 to 17 inclusive, I had an interview 
with Mr. Barclay, a very quiet, cool, and considerate gentleman, who 
passed the " Point of Rocks ", subsequent to the murder of Mr. 
White, and his party. His narration is much more full, and some- 
what different from that contained in my No. 15, but it is confirma- 
tory of the horrible facts therein stated. 

The gentleman named above does not claim to have seen the bodies 
of Mr. Wliite, or any one of his party. He saw the upset carriage, 
and several dead bodies, upon which, he dismounted, and those that 
he examined, were Mexicans — but not yet cold in death— This was 
after night, and it was deemed advisable to press forward, as their 
own condition was, supposed to be, one of great peril. 

From Mr. Barclay's statement, I learn, he subsequently overtook 
the Hon. H. N. Smith's party, who hearing of the murders at the 
' Point of Eocks ' were returning for protection — That some Mexi- 
can Buffalo hunters, came to the aforesaid fatal spot, before Mr. 
White's party was completely overwhelmed — that at the moment of 
their arrival, there were two yet alive, struggling for their exist- 

the two 
ence — that they saw them dispatched — and immediately 

thereafter, the "peace party., of all gangs of the present day., approached 
them — the Mexican Buffalo hunters, and made the most friendly 
salutations, and the strongest declarations of friendship. In a few 
moments thereafter, the war party returned, and with the utmost 
speed of their animals, circled round them two or three times, and 
then fired upon them — killing several, and wounding others, how 
many, they could not tell. 

It seems, that a lad. not more than twelve years old, whose father, 
a Mexican, was killed in the last of the two conflicts was, also, 

places 
severely lanced in several and saved his life by feigning to be 

dead — After the party to which he belonged, had made their escape, 
the Indians retired, he crawled forward as rapidly as possible, and 
was met, and picked up by the Hon H. N. Smith's party, who imme- 

' O. I. a., Santa Fe AgeDcy. C 309. 



COEEESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 69 

diately returned to Las Vegas — The Buffalo hunters, say, distinctly, 
that Mr. "White and the male portion of his party were all killed, 
including a colored servant. They say, further, that Mrs White, 
with her daughter, and a colored female servant, were carried off as 
captives. The wounded Mexican lad picked up by the Hon, Hugh N. 
Smith, gives it, as his opinion, that the Apaches, after the murder 
of White and others, travelled in a North Western direction. Mr. 
Barclay, from the best investigations he could give the subject, came 
to the conclusion, they had made for the Caiions of the Red River, 
in the direction of the Rio del Norte — Neither could have ascer- 
tained the truth, unless a part of these Buffalo hunters, and the 
murdering Apaches, belonged to a common association^ having a 
common end in view, the reward of rapine. 

The Department must not forget, these Apaches are, by some called 
Jicarillas — pronounced, Hickorees— that they are, generally, the 
produce of the amalgamations of the Utahs and Apaches, and that 
they roam from the mountains south east of the " Great Salt Lake," 
through the Caiions of the Red River, crossing the Rio del Norte, 
north of the El Paso, and continuing, westward, to the Pimo Villages, 
near the junction of the Rio Salina and Rio San Francisco, and not 
far remote from the junction of these two rivers with the Gila; and 
many assert they go to the Pacific. They are not considered a 
numerous hand; but they are bold, daring, and adventurous spirits ; 
and they saj^, they have never encountered the face of a white foe, 
who did not quail, and attempt to fly from them. 

At present, we hear nothing of the Navajoes or Utahs; and the 
Comanches, of whom we hear any thing, seem to be deliberating, and 
you may not be surprised at any disasters that may happen here, at 
any course which events may mark. Without the substitution of a 

one 
different policy from the now observed in this territory, rob- 

beries. Massacres, and assassinations will continue to be the order of 
the day; and without additional means, and, perhaps, modified in- 
structions, what other policy than that of quiesence, submission to the 
disorders which prevail, can be introduced as a corrective of the evils 
of which we complain. 

The civil government of this territory is scarcely a terror to evil 
doers; to prove which. I Avill merely state, that about the close of the 
day, on yesterday, a man was shot down in the plaza, and during the 
evening another was knocked down with a rock, and most severely 
bruised in the face; and a third, about the same hour, was most 
dangerously stabbed in four or five places, in front and rear; but 
neither were dead when I last heard from them. At the moment of 
the transpiring of these occurrences, the Superior Court, the court 



70 COBEESPOXDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

for the trial of criminals was in session; and it remains to be seen 
what will be done with them. 

Thus it will appear, that while hostile Indians do not greatly fear 
the military arm of our Government, the civil arm of this Territory 
does not, nay, can not restrain the vicious from the indulgence of the 
most horrible crimes. 

It is said, with what truth, I can not aver, that orders issued from 
the War Department during the previous administration, directing 
the Chief of this Military department not to oppose the effort of 
Texas to take possession of that portion of this territory lying east 
of the Eio del Norte, and to extend over it her laws, rather than to 
oppose, to aid in the premises. 

It is also intimated that the present Sec. of War lias also, given 
similar instructions. 

I vouch for neither of these statements, and they are lohispered 
in private and confidential circles, only, but one thing is certain, the 
impression which the statements have caused, is a barrier in the way 
of a more efficient government, that of a state government^ for while 
the civil officials ruling in this territory are opposed to any other than 
the present, or such an one as Congress may accord to their sug- 

are the 

gestions, there others opposed to precipitating question in con- 
sequence of the apprehension that the claim of Texas may be sus- 
tained, and by postponing action in the matter, a forced connection 
with Texas is rendered less probable. 

There are other difficulties in the way of a general reformation in 
at 
this territory, but I am not liberty to trouble you with a recital 
of them, suffice it to say, efforts are being made to overcome every 
difficulty ; and it is hoped, these efforts will be attended with success. 
The " modified instructions " before mentioned is suggested in ref- 
erence to the supposed orders emanating from the War Department 
in reference to the claim of Texas. Similar instructions in behalf of 
the suffering and oppressed of this territory would greatly facilitate 

good 
the establishing of a government. 

The disorders in this territory could never have been greater, and 
the correcting hand should be the loved one of the land. Our Indian 
disturbances are so blended with the civil disorders of this territory, 

not 
you can affect the one without the other, either for good or evil — 
and hence it is, the most searching scrutiny of the most discriminat- 
ing mind is required to prescribe and direct in this critical conjunc- 
ture. The evils to be redressed and corrected, and the positive good 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 71 

to be accomplished will afford to the most ripe and fruitful minds, 
full scope and verge enough for the glorious exercise of the most 
imbounded philanthropy, 

of traders 

The constant and unrestricted intercourse with the 

Indians of this territory is, perhaps, the greatest curse upon it, and so 
exceedingly pernicious is it, I have ventured to suggest to Governor 
Monroe, the propriety of extending by Order, the Laws of Congress 
in relation to trade and intercourse with Indian tribes, over this terri- 
tory, as a military measure, offensive and defensive, called for by the 
war demonstrations of the wild tribes. He has taken the subject into 
consideration, but has given no intimation of the conclusion to which 
he 

may, possibly, arrive. 

In this connection, I have also suggested the recommendations con- 
tained in my number 10, in reference to the arming the Pueblo In- 
dians, under rules and regulations to be prescribed. 

Without the adoption of these two measures, or others that will 
bring about similar results, you may in vain expect to preserve the 
peace and quiet of this territory. These two important measures, are 
commended to the favorable consideration of the frugal, because, 
instead of additional cost to the Government of the United States, 

reconmiendation 
the latter will secure a positive saving, greatly be- 

yond any outlay that may be rendered necessary by its adoption. 

B^^The greater security to persons and property, and the addi- 
tional laborers that would be thrown into the fields of the Pueblo 
Indians, would operate a saving greatly beyond all expenditures in 
the production of the solitary article a^tiele of C07m — to say nothing 
of wheat, and stock of every kind. 

The records of the War Department will show the vast expendi- 
tures incurred in foraging horses, mules &c. but it may not be quite so 
apparent, how many horses have been lost for the loant of forage. 

In previous communications I have recorded my opinion, that the 
average price paid for corn in this territory w^ould reach two dollars 
per bushel, and I venture to say, the adoption of my suggestions 
would reduce the price of the next crop to less than one dollar per 
bushel, an event that would not effect injuriously, the profit of the 
laborer of the fields. 

In concluding this communication, I must again repeat, that the 
separate questions belonging exclusively to distinct Departments, are 
so blended and intermixed, that it is impossible to present for the con- 
sideration of the appropriate Chief, subject matters over which he 
has exclusive control, without bringing to his notice, matters pertain- 



72 COREESPONDEISrCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

iiig to other Departments, hence the episodical cliaractor of this, and 
my former conmiunications. 
I am. 

With great respect, 

Your obt. servant. 

J. S. Calhoun, 

Iiid. Agt. 
Orlando Brown Esqr, 

Comr. of I nil. affs. 

Washington City 

D. a. 

[BROWN TO CALHOUN.^] 

Office Indian Affairs 

Nov'. '/, 181i9 
Calhoun Esq Jas. S. {agt Santa Fe) 
care of D. D. MitclieU.^ St. Louis, Mo. 
Sir: 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 
25th September, with a copy of the treaty with the Navajos. made by 
Col. Washington and yourself, and also of your interesting report, 
dated the 1st ulto, in relation to the military expedition which led 
to that treaty, and on our Indian affairs generally in New Mexico. 

O. B 

[CALHOUN TO BROWN."] 
No. 19 

Indian Agency. 

Santa Fe, New Mexico. 

A^ovr. 7th 1849 
Sir, 

An opportunity will occur to forward letters to the States by way 
of ' El Paso ', on to-morrow and I seize the occasion to say, as yet, we 
are without tidings in reference to the poor captives, Mrs White, 
her daughter, and a colored female servant. A gentleman, with 
whom I conversed this morning, and who passed the " Point of 
Rocks " after the late butcheries at that place, arrived here on yes- 
terday morning. He knew Mr White well — recognized his dead 
body, and fully confirms all the essential particulars of my previous 
letter upon this sad subject. 

That Govr. Washington — I mean Governor Munroe, is making 
some efforts in behalf of the captives, I do not doubt, but I am with- 
out information upon the subject. 

1 O. I. a, L. B, No. 42, p. 423. 

2 O. I. A., Santa F6 Agency, C 399. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 73 

We received information on yesterday, that the Apaches, some 
fifty miles west, or north west of " El Paso," had fallen upon some 
twenty five german emigrants from Texas, a few days since, killed 
seven or eight, and made prisoners of the rest whom they attempted 
to exchange wath the Mexicans for Apache prisoners, which was 
declined by the Mexicans. This occurred, it is beleived, on the 
Mexican side of the supposed boundary line. 

These are the same Indians pursued some eighty miles, recently, 

miles 
by Maj Steen ^ from his post, fifty north on the Rio del Norte. 

The result of that pursuit is better known at Washington than here. 
Suffice it to say, the Major was severely wounded, and it became 
necessary for him to return, although he had driven the Apaches 
from their positions. But these impudent Indians are frequently 
near his post, sending him words of defiance, and saying they desire 
to meet him again in the Canon from which he drove them. 

Two or three days ago, the Navajoes made a demonstration against 
the Pueblo of Santa Anna, and succeeded in driving off quite a num- 
ber of horses, mules, sheep, and other stock. This occurred about 
fifty miles from this place. 

USiF" There is evidently, a spirit of discontent manifested by the 
Pueblo Indians. While under the yoke of the Mexican Government, 
they were permitted to make reprisals. Not so now. They have 
applied for permission to do so, and it has not been deemed advisable 
to accede to their requr.-t. 

Thus it is, they lose their women and children, and stock, and are 
remidiless ; and efforts are made by secret agents to induce the belief 
that a change of Government has not bettered their condition, and 
finally, they may conclude we are more kindly disposed to the Mexi- 
cans, and to the roving tribes, than to themselves, the christian 
Indians. 

21^5= Rely upon it — these Pueblo Indians are, generally, a good 
people, and a useful people, and are entitled to the earliest possible 
consideration of the Government of the United States. 

In reference to the wild, or rather, the roving tribes of Indians, 
their claimed successes have given theui confidence in their martial 
prowess, and they have never before shown such boldness and dar- 
ing against Americans. 

These tribes, it is confidently beleived, are uniting, if they have not 
already done so, for the purpose of acting in concert, and being 
well acquainted with the country, it will not be a difficult matter for 

1 Enoch Steen of Kentucky, brevetted major for gallant and meritorious conduct in the 
Battle of Bnena Vista, was, at this time, in command of the post at Dofiana. His re- 
port of his pursuit of and partial engagement with the band of marauding Apache Indians 
was referred from the Ninth Military department " to Washington for the consideration 
of higlier authorities." See Old Book, No. i". pp. 27-2S. 



74 COREESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

them to elude the most piercing military e3'e in this territory. Look 
upon the maps, and see the extent of country over which they roam, 
and say, whether six hundred troops, of all arms^ about one half 
Infantry^ are sufficient to check for a moment, these Indians in their 
irregular mode of warfare ? 

They are well mounted, and becoming every day, better armed; 
and should they perfect an arrangement to act in concert, you will 
have a more formidable foe than our peace loving citizens, will find 
agreeable, or easy to manage. But sir, economy urges the adoption 
of a new policy^ — ^The old one should not be continued. Every Indian 
difficulty, in this territory, should be settled^ and fixed, during the 
ensuing tAvelve months, and I say, after due reflection, if the present 
course of policy, or management is to be continued, our troubles 
and difficulties with these Indians, will not end in twelve years. 
Posts must he established — the country Tnust he thoroughly scoured 
and explored; commerce with the Indians must he restricted; and 
they shoidd he required to remain within certain fixed and well de- 
ij,ned limits, under pain and 'penalties, that would secui'e the end. or 
prevent its repitition. 
I am, dear Sir. 

Your Very obt. Servt. 

J. S. Calhoun 

Ind. Agt. 
To, 

Orlando Brown, Esqr, 
Comr. of Ind. Affairs. 
Washington City, 
D. G. 

[CALHOUN TO BROWN.'] 

No. 20. 

Indian Agency. 
vSanta Fe, New Mexico. 

Now. 8th 1849. 
Sir. 

Your letter of the IGth of July, last, on the subject of my Bond, 
was received on the 1st day of this month, as you were advised by 
my No. 17. 

The Supreme Judge of this territory resides at this place, but he 
is now absent on his circuit — Besides, I was assured by the Judge 
some weeks ago, on a business occasion which required an 0-fficial 
Seal, there was not one in this territory. 

At the time I received the Bond which you have, from, the hands 
of Col Medill, I informed him of the difficulty of reaching even in 

lO. I. a., Santa Fe Agency, C 399. 



COKKESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 75 

Georgia, a United States district Judge, or Attorney — Upon which 
he stated, the certificate of a Eepresentative, or Senator in Con- 
gress would be sufficient — therefore it was sent to the Hon. AV. C. 
Dawson ^ — Senator — to whom I will write by this mail, requesting 
him to call at your office " without a moments delay " and cure the 
defects you have pointed out to me. 
I am, 

With great respect. 

Your obt Servt 

J. S. Calhoun 
To, Ind.Agt 

Orlando Brown Esqr 

Gomr. of Ind. Afs. 

Washington City 

D. C. 

[CALHOUN TO BROWN.-l 
No. 21. 

Indian Agency, 
Santa Fe, New^ Mexico, 

Now. 8, 1849 
Sir, 

A moment is allowed to me to say, since I wrote you this morning, 
a deputation from the Pueblo of Laguna, among them its Governor, 
begging that the laws of the United States regulating trade and 
intercourse with various Indian tribes, shall be extended over them, 
and asking that an American shall be sent to remain for their pro- 
tection. 

The Governor is the one who was tied by some emigrants on their 
way to California, and carried to Zuni, as I have heretofore ad- 
vised you. 

Of the twenty odd Pueblos east of the Mochies, Laguna is second 
only to Zuni, and has a population of about nine hundred. 

My opinion of the importance of an immediate extension of the 
laws as requested by these Indians has been so often repeated, it would 
be an unnecessary consumption of time to add another word. 
I am, 

With great respect 

Your obt. Servt. 



Orlando Brown Esq 

Comr. of Ind. Affs 

Washington City 
D.G 



J. S. Calhoun, 

Ind. Agt 



1 William C. Dawson, United States Senator from Georgia. 
» O. I. A., Santa F6 Agency, C 399. 



70 COEEESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

[CALHOUN TO BROWN,^] 
No. 22. 

Indian Agency 
Santa Fe, Neav Mexico 

Novemher 15th. 18Jt9 
Sir, 

On the afternoon of the 13th inst. a mail from the States was 
received by the Quarter Master, in this City; but it brought to me, 
neither letter or Newspaper. 

Notice is given by the Qr. Master, that a mail for the States will 
be made up this evening, and despatched on to-morrow, by way of El 
Paso ; and I seize the occasion to note such items of intelligence, for 
your consideration, as have come to my knowledge since my last 
number of the 8th inst was forwarded to you. 

It is with extreme pain that I communicate to you the fact, that 
not one particle of intelligence has reached us in relation to the fate 
of Mrs A^^iite, her daughter, and Servant, since their inhuman seizure 
at the ' Point of Rocks.' Two of my agents, upon whom I have most 
relied, have not yet returned. 

A short time since, the Navajoes made a sudden descent upon a 
small Spa^nsh Village, Cebolletta, about sixty miles west of Albu- 
querque, and drove off four liorses, one mule, and sixteen oxen. The 
individual who says he lost this stock, came to see me two days ago, to 
enquire whether there was a remedy provided for such a wrong. It 
gave me no pleasure to give him an answer in the negative, which was 
accompanied by an expression of the opinion, that in due time, some 
just provision for such wrongs would be provided — this seemed to 
quiet the excitement under which the complainant labored, especially 
after my making a memorandum of his alledged losses, and the names 
of the witnesses to establish the justice of his claim. 

During our conversation, in quite an agitated manner, he contrasted 
the i^resent with the former government of this territory. The pre- 
ceding government permitted reprisals, which is not tolerated now; 
and like the Pueblo Indians, neither the Spaniards or Mexicans, can 
see the propriety of this government interdict unless it is the purpose 
of said government to make an appropriate restitution from its own 
treasury. The eternal state of war, and reciprocal robbery, under a 
former government, gave to many, a pleasurable excitement, and 
afforded to all an opportunity of satisfying their own demands, 
whether founded in justice, or, in a mere desire to possess other 
people's property. 

1 O. I. A., Santa F<5 Agency, C 391. 



COERESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 77 

J'lie (jiovernment of the United States will be called upon to pay 
a number of such claims; and the adoption of my suggestions in ref- 
erence to Agents and Arms for the Pueblo Indians, would put a stop 
to such claims as will otherwise arise from the depredations of the 
Navajoes and Utahs — ■ 

In my number 18. I informed you, I had ventured to suggest to 
Govr. Munroe the propriety of extending, by a military order, the 
laws of the United States regulating trade and intercourse with our 
Indian tribes, over this territory ; and also to furnish for the use of 
the Pueblo Indians. Ordnance and Ordnance Stores, under certain 
regulations — both as War measures, offensive and defensive — The 
Governor declines adopting my suggestions, deeming it more advis- 
able to await the action of our home government, in the premises — 

From the Governor, I learned on yesterday, he had ordered mili- 
tary posts to be established at Cebolletta — the Spanish Village — and 
Jemez — the first to have a company of Dragoons and the latter, a 
company of Infantr^y — If an Agent, with arms &c. was established 
at the pueblo of Jemez, the company of Infantry ordered to that post, 
could find useful service elsewhere, and the section of country which 
Jemez covers, would have better protection, because arms, where 
necessary, could, and would be placed in the hands of mounted In- 
dians, who could pass from place to place with a most desirable rap- 
idity — and would render service where Infantry could not — 

It is proper to state, the intelligence we occasionally receive from 
the Navajo Country, is designed to convey the idea they will yet 
comply with the spirit pervading the treaty agreed to at Cheille; 
and that domestic dissensions alone, has prevented, so far, their ad- 
herence to the letter of said treaty. It may be so, but who can avouch 
the fact?— 

We have frequent messages from the Utahs. They say they want 
peace, but they can not accomplish impossibilities — that the Fre- 
mont property was parcelled out to those who found it. and that 
i'.iost of it has been consumed^ and that the residue has changed 
i lands so frequently that no human power can gather it into one 
parcel again — and that the murders, with which they are charged, 
was subsequent to the murders which they charge upon Lt. Whittle- 
sey, and thus, they balance that account current — 

On the 13th inst. a deputation of the Santa Clara, pueblos, visited 
nie for the purpose of ascertaining the provisions of the laws regu- 
hiting trade and intercourse with the various Indian tribes under 
(lie guardianship of the United States. Mexicans, and others have 
attempted to mislead them upon this subject — After a talk of some 
length, these Indians begged for an immediate extension of these 
hiws over them — complained bitterly of the nein policy of being or- 
dered, controlled, and governed by Alcaldes and prefects, to them. 



78 COERESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

heretofore, unknown — a system infinitely more annoying than that 
of submitting to the mandates of the tyrants who have ruled here un- 
der the previous government of this territory — These Pueblo In- 
dians say. the Mexican government demanded what they wished of 
them: and that they met these demands without expecting, or ever 
receiving remuneration for the fruit of their labors: but, with the 
exception of these demands, they were permitted, each, a separate 
government for every Pueblo — a separate and undisturbed political 
existence — 

Of the twenty two Pueblos, east of the Mochies, Sixteen have asked 
for the extension of the laws which regulated the intercourse with 
the Indian tribes of the United States prior to the late treaty with 
Mexico. The other six are located at extreme points, north and 
south, on the Eio del Norte — and I have not been able to see them. 
SI^^This I can say, if I now had the authority to make a treaty with 
these Pueblos, extending the aforesaid laws over them, it could be 
accomplished Avithout the slightest difficulty; and in doing this, their 
apprehensions would be quieted; bad men could no longer have in- 
fluence with them, and they would go to work as good people, and 

service 
render important to the Government of the United States— 

not exclusively as soldiers, but as good honest tillers of the soil— 
I am. 

With great respect 

Your obt. servt. 

.1. S. Calhoun 

Ind. Agt. 
Orlando Bkown Esqr. 
Comr. of Ind. Affs 
Washington City 

D.O. 

[CALHOUN TO BROWN.^] 

No. 23. 

Indian Agency 
Santa Fe, New Mexico 

November 16th, 1849. 
Sir 

The question, as to the proper disposition of the Pueblo Indians, 
is now being agitated in this territory, and exceedingly impracticable 
conclusions are promulged by many who have not well considered 
the difficulties to be apprehended from their hastily conceived plans, 
should their execution be attempted. 

1 O. I. a.. Santa F^ Agency, C 391. 



COEEESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. GALIiOUN. 79 

Tliere are a few, and at present, but few, who advise tlie immedi- 
ate blending of these Indiims with the mass of the people of this terri- 
tory, with common laws, and institutions for the government of all 
alike — The execution of this plan w'ould in my opinion produce 
terrible results — . 

To say nothing of the Mochies, thei'e are east, including Zuhi, 
twenty Pueblos, proper; and several of these, in consequence of the 
crowded state of the present Pueblo, have established colonies, or 
branches of their Pueblos — ■ These various Puebloes have a popula- 
tion of not less than twelve thousand: and, I am inclined to the 
opinion, the number is greater. While at Zufii, we did not suppose 
it had a population exceeding five or six hundred ; but if the state- 
ments of its Governor, War Captain, and Alcalde, endorsed by Mr F. 
Brown, an American, are to be relied upon, they actually have five 
hundred and ninety se^'en warriors. It is scarcely to be presumed 
that one third of an entire population can be warriors, that is, fit for 
military service — I therefore, confiding in the statements before 
mentioned, put down the population of Zuhi at two thousand — 
Many of their houses are from six to eight stories high. The con- 
clusions in reference to other Pueblos, are deduced from the facts 
stated in relation to Zuhi. The number of these Indians is an ele- 
ment not wholly immaterial in determining the question, what will 
you do with them ? or, what will you do for them ? 

The localities of these Indians, are chequered by their own Pueblo-. 
and old Spanish, and Mexican Villages — The former Government of 
this territory, having never interfered with their peculiar form of 
governments, each Pueblo has had, from time immemorial, a separate 
and distinct political existence— Instances are now occurring of 
Prefects and Alcaldes extending the operation of some of the laws 
of this territory over these people — a matter they can not compre- 
hend, and of which, they daily complain, and beg for releif. Add to 
this, the fact, they are no longer authorized to make reprisals upon the 
wild Indians who annoy them so much, and you have the causes of 
the uneasiness, and the distrust, which they sometimes manifest — 
Suppose you w^ere, at a breath, to dissipate, and scatter to the winds, 
their long, long cherished institutions, the only rules, regulations, 
and laws known to them, do you not perceive inextricable confusion 
would ensue, if a yet more terrible collision should be avoided; and 
hence the insuperable objection to the plan suggested, at knist so far 
as the present moment is concerned. 

I, by no means, deem it an impracticable matter, to make these 
people as worthy and useful Citizens as will be found in this terri- 
tory; but, this is not the labor of a day. 

The removal and concentration of the Pueblo Indians, is advocated 
by others. Tlic bare suggestion of this measure to men, at this time, 



80 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

would produce a plirensy, a desperation ot the most terrible charac- 
ter. But this result, that is, the removal and concentration of these 
Indians, may be peaceably accomplished in a few years — I am not 
prepared to recommend the adoption of any measure looking to tliis 
result — There are many weighty considerations against such a con- 
centration, which will readily occur to your mind — 

My own opinions in reference to this subject is recorded in my 
previous letter, and which I will here, briefly recapitulate. The exact 
number of the inhabitants of each Pueblo, together with the extent of 
their territorial grants, should be ascertained; and the conflicting 
claims, (and there are several) to a portion of their soil, set up by 
Spaniards and Mexicans, should be adjusted at the earliest possible 
day — In all cases, where it is apparent the quantity of their soil, 
having reference to its quality, is not sufficient for the numbers of its 
inhabitants, the boundaries of such Pueblos should be enlarged. 

Extend to them the protection of your laws regulating trade and 
intercourse with the various tribes of the United States, establish 
trading houses, liberally, give to them agricultural implements, for 
a few years, allow them blacksmiths, and carpenters, and locate among 

ize 
them such agents as will american their laljor, and morality, and 

you will, at an early day, discover the gratifying fact, that a more 
upright and useful people are no where to be found; fit to be associ- 

and to have — 
ated with, all the rights and privileges, of the body 

politic, at least, so far as the right of suffrage is concerned; or, 

it 
if should be preferable, you may then colonize them, without risk- 
ing a convulsion. 

In addition to the various recommendations, which I have sub- 
mitted in reference to these Indians, I would go one step further, and 
establish a press among them, which should publish matter, both 
in English and Spanish — There are those who can read the Spanish, 
but not one who can read English. This suggestion would afford 
them a proper facility for the acquiring of our language, and ulti- 
mately they would give us a written language of their own. 

I am deeply impressed, and concerned, in relation to the proper 
training of these people, and their ultimate fate, is a subject that 
should invite the most searching consideration of the gravest, wisest, 
and purest men of our land. 

Whatever the Government may determine to do in reference to 
the Pueblo Indians, should be done without delay, and in time to have 
its effect upon the ensuing year; agricviltural products— thi^ is an 
important consideration, as a hiatter of public economy — 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 81 

I apprehend no legislation can take place, in Congress, in time to 
bring about this desirable result, and therefore it is, I have suggested 
the propriety of acting under the treaty making authority — In this 
way the end may be secured — 

If it be the pleasure of the Government to extend these laws, at 
once, over these Indians, by a treaty, there should accompany the 
instructions, orders to furnish the necessary escort and transporta- 
tion, to such points as it may be necessary to visit — If I am permitted 
this service, and at the same time I should be allowed to select Vis- 
itors from the Pueblos for Washington City, in thirty days after the 
authority shall be received, I would be ready to set out, from the 
Pueblos below El Paso, for the Seat of Government. 

Adhering to, and urging the adoption of, my recommendations in 
reference to confining the Utahs, Navajoes, Apaches, and Comanches, 
and others within fixed limits, and interposing a suggestion of the 
impropriety of making presents to these Indians, before they are 
properly chastised, and subdued, 
I have the honor to be. 

Your Very Obt. Servt. 

J. S. Calhoun, 

Ind. Agt. 
Orlando Brown Esqr. 

Comr. of Ind. A/fs. 
Washington City. 

D. C. 

[CALHOUN TO BROWN.'] 

No. 24 

Indian Agency 
Santa Fe, New Mexico, 

Novr. 17th. 18^9. 
Sir, 

Before adequate and just compensation can be provided by law, for 
Indian Agents in, and near this territory, the following facts must 
be considered — 

For two weeks, or more, after my arrival here, we were compelled 
to encamp near the City, before we could procure a house in which 
to shelter: and then could obtain one only by agreeing to pay the 
extravagant rent of One hundred dollars per month — which I have 
since reduced to seventy dollars per month, by submitting to the 
inconvenience of otherwise disposing of a portion of the premises — 

1 0. I. A.. Santa F^ ARoncy, C 391 ; Annual Report, Commissionor of Indian Affairs, 
1850, pp. 03-97. 

5021—15 (5 



82 COEEESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

I offered to purchase the property at Tliree thousand dollars; but the 
OAvner refused to take a cent less than four thousand dollars. 

You are apprised that all the houses in this City are built up of 
adobes — with floors of dirt, and covered by spreading dirt three to 
six inches thick upon rough boards — ^You w.ll readily conclude, and 
correctly too, we have dirty, and leaky houses. 

I have managed to procure rough plank for floors, and have laid 
them down without being able to get them plained— The value of the 
lumber, and work in repairing, exceeds two hundred dollars. 

Plank and scantling, to any considerable extent, can not, as yet, 
be obtained here, and, except for the Quarter Master's and Commis- 
sary's departments, there is but little demand for it — The sales that 
have been effected, have been at prices varying from fifty to eighty 
dollars per thousand feet — No lumber can be procured here, except the 
pine, and that of the most inferior quality, being short, knotty, and 
principally, sap; and this must be brought over rough roads a con- 
siderable distance — Hence, the price of this kind of lumber will 
always be extravagantly high — 

Rock, for building, may be obtained, within two or three miles of 
this place; and, I am informed, lime rock, in abundance, may be 
found not more than five miles from Santa Fe. But, in consequence 
of the materials, which must be transported from the States, and the 

extravagant chai-^es of laborers and Mechanics, it can not be inferd 
that houses can be built here as cheap as in the United States. 

Upon the presumption, there must be a Superintendency, or Agency 
of Indian affairs, permanently established in this City, I should do 
injustice to whoever may be the incumbent if I failed to recommend 
such an appropriation as would enable him to live in quarters some- 
what comfortable — ^and this would require an appropriation of not 
less than ten thousand dollars., provided government transportation 
was used in bringing to this City, the materials that must be brought 
from the States. 

Examine the following prices and rates — 
Lumber from $50. to $80. per 1000 ft. 
Nails 25^ pr. lb. 

Brick — none — but good clay — 
Mechanics — a ration a day $40 to $ per month 

$600 
Houses rent from (six) to $1800 (1800) " year. 
Wood, pine and cedar, there is no other kind, 
$3.50 per cord ; and 
two cords of this wood is not equal to one of Oak & 
Hickory — 



COKEESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 83 

Blacksmith — daily, a ration, and $40. per month. 
Shoeing of a horse, all round. $.4 to $6.00 — 

price. 
Iron 20^ per lb. Increase demand would increase the 
Good sound dry corn $2.00 per bushel, and not abundant 

at that — 
Wheat, usually the same as corn per bushel 
Hay and fodder — but little of either $60. per ton. 
Flour, 

Bacon, and Pork — none — except at the commissaries — 
Beef & mutton 8 to 100 per lb- 
Sugar 250 per lb — Coffee 250 per lb — 
Tea $1.25 " " — a poor article of gunpowder. 
Crockery ware, and every thing else, in proportion — 
Freight from Ft. Independence to Santa Fe, ten to 12 cts. per lb. 
Common servants, from $10 to $15 per month, and rations — 
Wood choppers 75 cents per cord, and a ration a day — 
They can cut a cord, to a cord and a half a day — and then it 

must be brought from three to five miles from where it is cut. 
Board $25. to $40. per month — and find your own lodging — and 
a small room may be obtained, such as it is, at from $8 to 10$ 
per month — 
A common pine Bedstead, such as you can buy in the States for 

$ you can't purchase here, for less than $. 

For seats, if you aspire to any thing more than a bench, pine 
lumber is thrown into the shape of a chair, for which you 
must pay from $2.00 to $2.50 — This will give the best speci- 
men of furniture to be had here — 
We are so far from water, we are obliged to have it hauled to us 
in a waggon — 

Washing, if well done, $1.60 per doz. 

Common Interpreter. $50. per month — one that can read and write, 
receives $75. to $100 per month — 

The impression here is that the Quartermaster's Bureau, will show 

cost 
that the corn bought during the past year more than $2.50 per 

bushel — and / know, until recently, since July, public animals have 
not received full forage — and animals lost in consequence thereof, 
must their value should be added to the price paid for corn — 

In my former communications, I have shown you how the prices 
of Corn, Wheat, & Fodder & Hay, may be legitimately reduced — 
and, also Beef — and how the lives and usefulness of your horses and 
mules may be prolonged — and that too, without calling off from 
service to recruit them — and I hesitate not to sav. such a result can 



84 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

not be brought about, for years to come, unless such suggestions as 
I have made to you, are adopted — 

To save you the trouble of referring back to my letters, I will state, 
I have allusion here to the recommended protection of the Pueblo 
Indians, and properly stimulating and shaping their industry — 
With the hope that our Government will extend this protection to 
them, I have already advised them to throw an additional number 
of laborers into their fields, and increase the products of their soil by 
increasing the quantity of ground in cultivation. 

The statement of facts given above, will enable intelligent legis- 
lators to determine the proper measure of appropriations for this 
territory, and the compensation that should be given to Indian 
agents — and with them, I leave the subject. 

Before committing this subject to Congress, however, I ought to 
have reminded you, that Escorts are positively necessary in passing 
from one Indian Pueblo to another, and that we must go unsheltered 
and unfed unless transportation is afforded in which to convey tents, 
subsistence, and cooking utensils — even in travelling between Mexican 
Villages, it would be imprudent to dispense with these precautionary 
measures. 

This being the state of things, it will be impossible for a Superin- 
tendent, or Agent to discharge his full duty unless he can control a 
Waggon, mules, forage, and a teamster, and subsistence for him. 

If arms should be deposited in the Pueblos, as I have recommended, 
Indian escorts, and guides^ can always be procured at the cost of a 
few presents and subsistence. 

Trade and Intercourse with Indians. 

Under this head, it is my intention to present such views as have 
occurred to me, after a careful examination of the Act of Congress to 
regulate Trade and Intercourse with Indian tribes, and to preserve 
Peace on the frontiers. I shall refer onlj^ to such sections as should 
be, in my opinion, amended. . The Act of June 30th. 1834, 

Sec. 2. To prevent all irregularity and confusion, and that a full 
and perfect knowledge of the trade with Indians may be accurately 
known, and properly controlled, the Superintendent only, should 
have authority to grant a lice^ise. If there should be no Superin- 
tendent, the Agent should have the authority — A copy of every 
license granted, should be recorded, and fees charged for the service, 
to be paid by the licensed. Sub agents should have the power to 
suspend trade under a license, but the revoking power should be in 
the hands of the granting power — 

Sec. If.. No one but traders., and their assistants and families., should 
be permitted to " reside " in the Indian Country, except such as may 



COREESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 85 

be in the service of the United States, and their assistants and fami- 
lies — Hence the necessity of clearly defining the boundaries of each 
Pueblo. 

be 

Sec. 6. There are mischievous persons from whom it would im- 
jjossible to extract a dollar — Such should not go unpunished. 

Sec. 7. The Avord '' clothing " in this section may, possibly, include 
Blankets — and some of the finest in the world, are manufactured by 
the loild, and other Indians — they make but few, and they are gener- 
ally, for sale at from five to one hundred dollars each. A kind of 
carpetting, and other articles are manufactured by them — These 
jjeople should be properly encouraged. 

be 

Sec. 8. Where fines cannot be collected, other penalties should 
substituted — 

Sec. 9. I would strike out the words, " Without the consent of such 
tribe." 

Sec. 12. There are instances of encroachments, by Spaniards and 
Mexicans, on lands granted to Indian Pueblos, haciendas have been 
established, and Villages built up. These questions may be settled 
hy compromise; in which it may be necessary to vest the legal titles 
in the Spaniards and Mexicans. 

Sees. 13, 14. 15, 16. Where fines and penalties can not be collected — 
let offenders be punished otherwise— 

Sec. 17. The limit of twehe months is too long — three months is 
quite sufficient — In the second proviso, I would strike out " three 
years " and insert three months. 

See. 20. The exceptions in favor of " The Officers of the United 
States and troops of the service " — should be extended to all, alike, 
in the service of the United States. 

Sec. 23. The derangements in this territory, at the present time, 
are such as might justify a longer detention " than five days after 
the arrest and before removal." 

Sec. 25. After the last word in this Sentence, or Section, I would 
add, of the same Paehlo, or Tribe. 

These amendments are required by the localities of the Indians and 

number of 
the varied character of a lari.>:ei= persons in this territory. 

Stringent laws, promptly enforced, are demanded b}^ the temper of 
the times — 

Let every process — and every act, be stamped with a promptitude 
that will arrest the consideration of offenders. The pi'esent organi- 
ation of the Indians, is not swift enough in its judgements to secure 
proper order and quiet in the Indian Country of this territory — 



86 COERESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

Without a special court for this service. T am not prepared to say, 
end 
the suggested, in the last paragraph, can be accomplished. 
I am, 



With gi^eat respect. 



Your obt. Servt. 

J. S. Calhoun 

Ind. Agt. 
Orlando Brown Esq 
Comr. of Ind. Affs. 
Washington City 

D.G. 

[CALHOUN TO BROWN.'] 

Xo 25 

Indian Agency 
Santa Fe, New Mexico 

Novr. 20th. 181(9 
Sir, 

On the 14th of the present month, the Navajoes visited San Isi- 
doro, and succeeded in driving off a number of Horses, Mules and 
Oxen — No other mischief was done — 

It will be remembered, that San Isidoro is a small Spanish Village, 
about three miles west of the Indian Pueblo. Jemez. and sixty miles 
west of Santa Fe. 

It is understood, that during the past month, the Commissary has 
lost a number of Beeves— and the Quarter Master a number of 
public animals, the particulars of which I have not been able to 
ascertain — 

Bl^^Public expenditures to the extent of the robberies for the 
present year would nearly, if not quite, have effectually checked these 
depredations, provided the value of the losses were properly ex- 
present in 
pended in conjunction with the military operations ef this 
territory. 

Various representations have been made to me by Pueblo Indians 
of Mexican and Spanish encroachments upon their grants, and it 
may be, many of these encroachments will be difficult of adjustment — 
There is no doubt that villages are built upon grounds rightfully 
belonging to Indian Pueblos — These grounds were seized by those 
who now occupy them, at a moment when resistance by the legitimate 
owners was impracticable, and justice to Indians is too often withheld. 



O. I. a., Santa ¥6 Agency. C 391. 



COEEESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 87 

This subject, at this moment, is the cause of much anxiety and 
irritation with the Pueblo Indians — I do not hesitate to say, that 
many of the present possessors, deeming that a lapse of time had 
perfected their titles, are taunting the Indians with the fact, and at 

time 
the same avering that the United States can not redress the 

wrongs of which they complain: indeed, that the United States 
feel no concern about the Indians (Pueblos) or they would assist 
them in making reprisals against the wild Indians for the injuries 
which they have suffered by them. 

But a moment since, the Governor, Lt. Governor, and an Indian 
of less repute, of the Pueblo of Santo Domingo, waited upon me to 
enter a formal complaint in reference to encroachments upon their 
planting grounds, and asking for a redress of grievances. I could 
only reply, their complaint should be immediately laid before the 
President, who would give instructions as to the course to be 
pursued — 

The planting season does not commence here before the first of 
May, and measures, before that period, should be adopted, pointing 
to an ultimate adjustment of the question — This course is rendered 
necessary to prevent collisions at the commencement of the planting 
season — 

Perhaps a commission to examine the tenure by which the respec- 
tive parties hold possession of their lands, with instructions to report 
all the facts in reference to the complaints made, would releive the 
present anxiety of the Indians, and throw such light upon the sub- 
ject as would show the proper course to be pursued. 

To obtain this information, may require a visit to each Pueblo; 
and if so, a complete census, and other information desired by the 

States 
Government of the United could, at the same time, be ob- 

tained— 

I have the honor to be. 
Your very ol>t. Servt 



S. Calhoun 

Ind. Agt. 



Orlakdo Brown Esq. 

Comr, of Ind. Affs. 

Washington City 
D. C. 



88 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

[CALHOUN TO BROWN.^] 

No 26. 

Indian AoENcr, 

Santa Fe. New Mexico 

Novr. 30th 18Jf9. 
Sir, 

The fate of poor Mrs White is sealed. Maj. (jrier- was in pursuit 
of the Apaches, as I am informed, and came upon them, so suddenly, 
as to secure their food, a number of animals, and various articles — 
Their Lodges were destroyed, six Indians killed, and the body of 
Mrs White found, yet warm, evidently killed by the Indians — By 
american soldiers she was laid below the cold sod — The result is such 
as I feared, and alluded to in a former communication. 

In reference to Mrs White's daughter and female servant, not one 
word of intelligence has reached us. 
are 

Matters in this territory is in a most deplorable condition — in- 
finitely worse than you possibly can imagine them, and which, without 
being an eye witness, you can not realize — 

The Department will determine whether the expenditures I have 
incurred in attempting the rescue of Mrs White, her daughter and 
servant, shall be refunded to me — The amount will not be less than 
one hundred and fifty dollars, if nothing further is incurred in an 
attempt to recover the child and servant — ■ 

(jigr'ln reference to this case, and as a frecedent, I ask for such 
instructions, as may be deemed advisable by the Department. 

Matters are growing worse between the Pueblos and Mexicans — 
and the latter — officials — have managed so artfully, as to embroil 
the Pueblos of Laguna and Anconia — in reference to their boun- 
daries — Prefectos, and even Alcaldes, assuming to adjudicate ques- 
tions of that character; but it is not supposed, if they had the 
authority, they would ever settle such questions, so prolific in fees, 
and rank impositions. Scarcely a day passes that complaints are not 
brought before me of Mexican aggressions — Two deputations are now 
here, one complaining of a Mexican wrong — the other lodging 'i 
complaint against another Pueblo in reference to the restraints im- 
posed upon the locomotive of a woman — I will not trouble you with 
the details. So far I have managed to keep them quiet, by an assur- 
ance, in due time, the President would give orders as to the manage- 
ment of their affairs — 

1 O. I. A., Santa F^ Agency, C 391. 

2 William Nicholson Grier of Pennsylvania, who was brevetted major for conspicuous 
service in the Battle of Santa Cruz de Resales. He fought on th<^ T'nion side in the 
Civil War and, after the Battle of Williamsburg, was promoted to the rank of colonel. 
Later on he was made a brigadier-general. He died in 1885. 



CORKESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 89 

The people are becoming excited in reference to a State government 
and I think they will form a State Constitution — 
Very respectfully 

J. S. Calhoun 

Ind. Agt. 
Orlando Bkown Esq 

Comr. of Ind. Ajfs. 

Washington City, 

D. C. 

[CALHOUN TO BROWN.'] 

No. 27. 

Indian Agency, 
Sante Fe, New Mexico 

Now. 30, 18k9. 
Sir, 

The enclosed communication from Drs. Robinson and Thomas, 
will explain the object of this note; and I have but to say if the 
Government of the United States shall regard it to be an obligation 
incumbent upon them, to discharge such duties to the Indians of this 
territory, these gentlemen are eminently worthy of the service they 
desire to discharge— I think the object a laudable, and proper one; 
and if I dared to do so, I would urge their appointment in stronger 
terms. 

I am. 

Very respectfully, 

Your Obt. Servt. 

J. S. Calhoun 
Orlando Brown Esq. 

Comr. of Ind. Ajfs. 

Washington City 

D. C. 

[Inclosure] 
[robinson to calhoun j 

Santa Fe N Mexico 

November 30th 1849 
To Col Calhoun 
Sir. 

us 
It has occurred to me that humanity would be benefitted by the 
tliorough vaccination of the Pueblos under your governn^.ent — The 

1 O. I. A., Santa F€ Agency, C 301. 



90 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

fatal and loathsome scourge — for which vaccination is a specific, 
almost always in its periodical visits to this Country makes it ap- 
pearance in their villages, where as any one will inform you the 
mortality is frightful. Their confined and ill ventillated apartments 
nourish and propagate the poison to such an extent that it is unsafe 
for the unprotected citizen to go within their atmosphere. 

We have been informed on creditable authority that small Pox or 
Varioloid has not ceased to exist in one or the other Pueblos for the 
last twenty years. 

In addition to the immediate benefit realized by the Pueblos and 
our people generally, we may be forgiven for mentioning the inci- 
dental benefit to the world, which a close observation of the effects 
of vaccination on Varioloid or small Pox in so large a body of men 
as the Pueblo nation, must necessarily produce. 

James D. Robinson M. D. 
Carroll Thomas M. D. 

[CALHOUN TO THE UTAH CHIEFS'] 



Indian Agency, Santa Fe, New Mexico. 

December 3rd 181^9. 
Dr C. W. Bowman visits the Utahs by my permission, charged to 
say, if they are honestly disposed to submit, fully, and uncondition- 
ally, to the Constituted Authorities of the United States, and the 
Chiefs will assemble at Abiquin, on or before the 20th day of the 
present month, a firm and lasting treaty of peace and intercourse 
may be entered into, by and with the consent of the Supreme Au- 
thority of New Mexico. 

The Chiefs must come clothed with plenary powers to the end that 
every vexed question may be settled. 

(Signed) James S. Calhoun, 

Indian Agent. 

[CALHOUN TO MUNROE.'] 
COPY OF PAPERS PREPARED EOR GOVERNOR MUNROE. 

bvJ.S.C. 
I. A. 
Head Quari-ers. 9th Military Department. 

Santa Fe. New Mexico^ 9th December. 1849. 
"Brvt. Lieut. Col. Charles. A. May, and Genl. Cyrus. Choice, are 
liereby appointed Commissioners, on the part of the United States 



Inclosure of No. 28, O. I. A., Santa F^ Agency, C 406. 
O. I. A., Santa F6 Agency, C 429. 



CORRESPONDENCE OP JAMES S. CALHOUN. 91 

of America, to enter into, conclude, and sign a treaty of peace with 
the Apache Tribe of Indians, 

(Signed) John Munroe. 

Bt. Col. U. S. Army d; 
Ex. Officio Govr. of the 
Territory of New Mexico. 

Head Quarters. 9th Military Department. 

Santa Fe^ New Mexico. 9th December 181^9. 
Gentlemen, 

The accompanying order will show you, the high and important 
trust of consummating a Treaty of Peace with the Apache tribe of 
Indians is confided to you — 

Three copies of a Treaty which this Department requires you will 
also receive with this letter of instruction — 

The tribe must be fully represented, and you must be satisfied 
that the Chiefs with whom you negotiate, have the right, under the 
usages and customs of said Indians, to bind the whole tribe. 

You must explain to the Chiefs fully and distinctly, the teniis of 
the treaty, and that they are required to confine themselves to their 
usual homes, or localities, and leave only when permission is granted 
to them. 

If it should so happen that any portion of their tribe, whom they 
may have the right to control, shall refuse an instant compliance 
with the terms of the Treaty, the Chiefs of the tribe shall point out 
their localities, that the American troops may properly chastise 
them. 

You will ascertain, as near as it may be possible, the extent and 
locality of the Country claimed by the Apaches, and the aggregate 
number of their tribe, and what portion of them cultivate the soil 
and raise stock, and the kind of stock. 

In concluding the Treaty you will cause your Interpreters to sii!ii 
their names as such, and call as many respectable gentlemen, as may 
be convenient to witness its execution. 
I am respectfully 

Your Obt. Servt. 

(Signed) John Munroe. 

Bt. Col. U. S. Army d; 
Ex Officio Govr. of the territory of 

New Mexico. 
To Brevt. Col. Charles A. May 

U. S. Army Commanding at Socoro. d 
Genl. Cyrus Choice, 

Commissioners d'c. 



92 COEEESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

[CALHOUN TO THE PREFECT OF ABIQUIN'] 
DOC B 

Santa Fe, New Mexico 

Dec 20 18Jf9. 
Sir, 

It is my intention to be in Abiquin - on the 28tli day of this month, 
for the purpose of meeting such chiefs of the Utah tribe, as may be 
in attendance at that time. I hope the Chiefs will exert themselves 
to secure the presence of every Chief that can possibly reach there, 
for when a treaty is formed, it must be a lasting one, having the full 
sanction of the tribe. 

With great respect, 

Your obt Servt. 

(Signed) J. S. Calhoun. 

Ind. Agent. 
To the, 

Prefecto, 
A hiquin 

NeiD Mexico. 

[Related Correspondence] 

[McLAWS to BEALL.s] 

Head Qt'ARXKRs Mii. Department 

8anta Fc'. Dccciiihcr 23d — IS-'/!) 
Colonel 

The Indian Agent Colonel Callionn. having engaged himself to meet ihe 
Eiitaw Indians at Alblquin on the 2Sth. for the pnrpose of entering into a 
treaty with them — Colonel Munroe directs that you detail an officer and 
twenty men from your command as an escort for the agent, with instructions 
to meet him at Chama at the earliest practicable moment. 

Should circumstance intervene which would render it probable that the 
command could not reach Chama by the 27th you will send, or give instructions 
that a special express be sent, to that place in order to notify the agent when 
it will arrive — If on its arrival at Chama the agent has passed on, the escort 
will nevertheless proceed and join him, unless he has left contrary instructions. 

The escort will be absent, perhaps, ten or twelve days will accordingly cause 
such arrangements for their subsistence to be made, as in your opinion, will 
enable the above instructions to be carried into effect, with the least possible 
delay. 

1 Inclosure of No. 28, O. I. A., Santa F4 Agency, C 406. 
- See McLaws to Beall, December 23. 1849. 
3 A. G. 0., Old Book, No. 2, p, 11. 



COEEESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUX. 93 

The Expressman (sergeant Pishon) will leave here to-morrow morning, he 
is expected to reach Taos on the 25th in time for the above detail, to be In 
readiness & to march for Chama at an early hour on the 26th — . 
Respectfully 

Your obdt servt L McLaws 

1st. Lt. 7 Infv. 

A A A Oenl 
Col. B L. Beall 

Commanding 

Don Fernandez de Taos 

[CHOICE TO CALHOUN.'] 

SocoRO, New Mexico, 24th Beer. 1849. 
Dear Sir, 

I arrived here on the 14th inst. The Indians did not come in 
according to their appointment, but came into Limatah on the 18th, 
and got into a drunken frolic. The Alcalde came down and in- 
formed the Col. and requested permission to take a party of Mexi- 
cans and arrest them. The Col. refused and at three Oclk. the Col. 
despatched Capt Humber with twelve men as an escort for them. 
They arrived here at seven. I requested Capt Humber not to let 
any act of his create any suspicion with the Indians whatever, that 
would let them suppose for a moment, that they were to be held as 
prisoners. On their arrival here, Humber sent for me, I had an in- 
terview with them. They appeared to be perfectly satisfied, we 
obtained comfortable quarters for them, and had, a good corral for 
their animals, with a sufficient guard over them, had rations issued 
to the Indians, and they were apparently, perfectly satisfied with 
their situation. I then retired, half past ten Oclk. The Col sent 
for Capt Humber and ordered their animals to be moved, and their 
arms to be taken from them, which excited them. The Capt permit- 
ting them to move their animals, thirteen of them sprang on them, 

two of 
and ran off, leaving their party, and eight animals, and all 

of their baggage. One of those left, was the old woman that came 
in, and made the appointment to hold a treaty on the twelfth inst. 
Under the circumstances, we thought it best, to let those two return 
to their people, under the promise; that they would return, and 
bring in all of their chiefs and Captains, in twenty days, and make 
a treaty of peace. They all expressed a great desire to make a peace 
with the Americans. I am still inclined to the opinion that they 
will come in if they are not prevented in consequence of some recent 
depredations, committed by them, a small party of the tribe, about 
one hundred and forty miles below here; this happened about the 
time this party came in, and Lieutenant Tyler found the bodies 

1 Enclosure of No. 29, O. I. A., Santa P6 Agency, C 406, No. 1. 



94 COKEESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

of three discharged teamsters, and buried tliem. They not were yet 
cold, when found, did not get hold of any of the Indians, though 
I am told that they obtained all of their Mules & baggage, 
the 
I remain here, until twenty days is out. This I write in a 

great hurry, as the express is waiting. I wrote to you with the in- 
tention of sending it by Capt Brent, but he left before I could see 
him. 

Nothing more, but yours, &c. 

(Signed.) Cyrus Choice. 

[BROWN TO CALHOUN.'] 

Office Indian Affairs, 

December 28, 181^9. 
Calhoun, Esq., J. S. 

Indian Agent, 

Santa Fe, Neio Mexico. 

Sir : — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your several 
communications, numbered from 7 to 17 inclusive, in relation to 
Indian Affairs in Ncav Mexico, and the necessity that exists for 
prompt and effective measures of a military character to put a 
stop to the continued outrages perpetrated upon our citizens by the 
Indians of that territory. That portion of them relating to this 
subject will immediately be laid before the Secretary of War for 
his information and for such action as the means at his control will 
admit; and sucli as relate to organization in this branch of the 
service, and to the proper mode of conducting our intercourse and 
relations with those Indians will be communicated to Congress for 
the consideration of that body, and its early action upon the subject 
solicited. 

The Department has received with much pain the intelligence of 
the attack by a band of Apaches upon the party of Mr. White, re- 
sulting in the murders of himself and others and the capture and 
carrying off of his wife and child, whose situation as captives among 
this barbarous and merciless people has excited the most painful 
solicitude. The Department cannot however but entertam the hope, 
that through the prompt measures which you have so commendably 
adopted, and those doubtless also taken by the military, she and her 
child have ere this been rescued and are now in safety. Should this 
however not be the case, you will continue to exert yourself to the 
utmost to effect it, and the military will be required to do the same 
by instructions which will immediately be sent out by the Secretary 
of War. The measures you have already taken are approved, as? 

1 O. I. A, L. B. No. 42, pp. 492-493. 



CORRESPONDENCE OE JAMES S. CALHOUN. 95 

will be any others you may think it advisable to adopt to delivej- 
the captives or secure their safety ; early intelligence of which being 
accomj)lished I need not say will not only afford the highest gi'atifi 
cation, but relieve the Department as well as their friends and rela- 
tions from a most painful state of suspense. 

There not yet having been time for appropriations by Congress 
for the purposes of the Department in our distant territories, the 
only mode of obtaining funds to meet the expenses which you have 
incurred, or may incur, in your efforts to relieve Mrs AVliite, which 
can 

now^ be suggested, will be to draw drafts upon this office payable 
as soon as the appropriations shall have been made. It is presumed 
that you Vvill find no difficulty in cashing such drafts, as they will 
of course be very desirable as remittances East. 

Enclosed is a section of a map ^ of Xew Mexico, embracing, it is 
supposed, the portion of territory occupied by the Indians, or the 
greater part of it, on which I will thank you to designate, as accu- 
rately as ma}^ be in your power, the locations of the several tribes 
and the extent of country severally claimed by them; and return it 
to this office by the first opportunity. You will also please to indicate 
the proper locations for agents and sub-agents, informing the De- 
partment by letters in detail the number of each class you deem 
necessary to aid in a proper administration of Indian Affairs in 
New Mexico, the salaries which should be allowed them, the objects 
for which expenditures will generally be necessary in connection 
with the different agencies and the amount that will be required for 
each. It is hoped that this, and such other information, having a 
bearing on the object of a proper organization for the Indian branch 
of the service, will be received in time to be considered and acted 
upon before Congress rises: so that there will be no unavoidable 
delay in adopting such a course of policy, and such measures as are 
necessary to a prompt and effective administration of the affairs of 
this Department in that quarter. 

This communication wall be handed to you by Mr. Isaac B. Dunn,^ 
a brother of Mrs. White, who proceeds to New Mexico as bearer of 
despatches under an escort furnished by the War Department, but the 
object of whose journey is to seek to aid in rescuing his sister and 
her child, or to afford her protection in her destitute and bereaved 
situation, if their rescue shall have happily been effected.^ 

O. B. 

^ See p. 171; and map {Iso. 2) in pocket. 

- See Ewing to Brown, December 31, 1849. 

3 See Brown to Mason, .January 3. 1850, O. I. .\., L. B., No. 42. pp. 500-501. 



9(j COHRESPONDENOE OF JAMEH H. CALHOUN. 

[CALHOUN TO BROWN.'] 

No. 28. 

Indian Agency. Santa Fe, 
New Mexico^ January Ist^ 1850. 
Sir, 

AccompiiiiyiM*,^ Uiis note you will receive the record of a Treaty ^ 
which 1 concluded with the Utah tribe of Indians, at Abiquin, on 
the 30th day of the last month. 

It is proper to remark, these Indians, since last Sepleniber, have 
frequently manifested a disj)Osition to enter into treat.y stipulations 
with the United States, and so far as facts have come to our knovvl- 
ed^^e, theii- conduct lias been unexceptionable, except so far as tlie 
allowing of Apa(;hes and Navajoes to visit and associate with them. 

That the wild Indians have attempted a coalition for the purpose 
of overrunning and ravaging this territory, T entertain not the slight- 
est doubt. If that purpose is abandoned, or has been defeated, it is 
I he result of the Utahs influence over the wild tribes. The Apaches 
and Navajoes have been with the Utahs until a few days since, and 
three Navajo chiefs left them only, when it appeared they could 
not prevent the Utah Chiefs from meeting me at Abicjuin. 

On the 3d of Deceml)ei' last, the Prefect of Abiquin informed 
Governor Munroe, through the Secretary of State, of this territory, 
that several Utah Chiefs desired a conference in relation to a treaty 
of peace — The (Governor was so obliging as to advise with me, and 
after consultation, I sent to said Chiefs the enclos(Ml communication 
marked A." Subsequently, ascertaining a sufficient number of Chiefs 
coidd not assemble by the time mentioned in document A, T sent a 
runner with a comuiunication to tlu^ Pi-efcct of Abiquin, marked B,* 
also enclosed. 

On the day aj)pointed, tlie 28th of De(;ember last, I was in Abiquin, 
and received the information that the Utah Chiefs were encamped 
a few miles therefrom, northwest, in their own countrf/^ but would 
be in during the afternoon of that day, or very early the ensuing 
morning 'I'lic influence of traders^ and perhaps the three Navajo 
Chiefs, iK'forc alluded to, prevented their coming in on the 20th of 
I)eceml)er. During the night of that day, after T had retired, a Chief 
came in, and begged me to be patient, and that on the 31st of Decem- 
ber every Utah o-fjir'ud should come to me, that they had removed 

»0. I. A., Santa F6 ARoncy, C li»(). Sec li'llc-hox, " Troatles, Copies"; See, also, In- 
closiire No. ;!5. 

ii Not ratldod unUI Hoptcinbor 1», IMHO. I'or report on, hoo Brown to Ewln^, March 14, 
\H:,(), p. 98. 

•■' Soe p. 90. 

' Sco I). 92. 



CORRESPONDEIS^CE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 97 

from their encampment near Abiquin and were not at that time, 
within twenty miles of that place. 

To my enquiry, this lone Indian replied, there were between twenty 
five and thirty Chiefs in camp, and the Principal Chief of the tribe 
would lead them over, and that said Chiefs had full power to repre- 
sent them. Not crediting the statement as to the distance the Chiefs 
were from Abiquin, and discovering, as I supposed, the obstacle to be 
removed, notice was given to a trader that he was suspected, and at 
the same time, I caused the Utah Chief, then present, to be informed 
that I would wait until the ensuing midday^ and not a moment longer^ 
for the Chiefs to come in. By 10 Oclk, on the next morning, they 
were present, and the enclosed treaty was fully and thouroughly 
explained to them — 

Let it be understood, they reluctantly agreed to the 7th ^ article — 
expressed their utter aversion to labor — and enquired what they 
would do, to sustain life, if so restricted and Confined. I replied to 
them, the government of the United States had ever been just and 
humane — and if they behaved well, would take care of them. In the 
conclusion, I stated to them, I had no sword to frighten them into 
terms — that I brought no jrresents to seduce them — and that if they 
thought they ought not to agree to the terms of the treaty, that I would 
at the peril of my life, secure them a transit to their own Country 
unmolested and unharmed — In a few moments their countenances 
seemed to brighten up, and they declared, they beleived the Presi- 
dent of the United States would take care of them, and tell them 
what to do, because he did not authorize his Agents to attempt 
either force or bribery. 

It is hardly necessary to add, I gave them nothing — I promised 
them nothing, but humane treatment, if they complied with the terms 
of the treaty. 

What Governor Munroe may authorize, in executing this treaty, 
is not yet settled — I shall advise the tenvporary appointment of an 
Agent to reside at Abiquin, until Superior orders are received from 
Washington City. 

I am with great respect, your obt. Servant, 

James S. Calhoun, 

Ind. Agt. 

To 

Orlando Brown Esqr. 

Comr of Ind. Affs. 

Washington City D. C. 

iKappler, 11, p. iiS4. 
5021—15 7 



98 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

[Related Correspondence.] 

[brown to ewing^] 

Office Indian Affairs, 

March 14th, 1850. 
Hon. Thomas Ewing, 

Secretary of the Interior. 

Sib: I have the honor to submit for the consideration of the President, and, 
if he shall think proper, for transmission to the Senate for its constitutional 
action, two treaties with Indians of New Mexico : one negotiated with the 
Navajoe tribe, on the 9th Sept. 1849, by Col J. M. Washington of the Army, and 
J. S. Calhoun, United States Indian Agent at Santa Fe, and the other with the 
Utah tribe, negotiated by Agent Calhoun on the 13th [30th?] of December last. 

The circumstances under which the first mentioned treaty was entered into, 
are set forth in an official desjiatch of Col Washington dated September 25th 
1849, communicated to Congress with the President's late annual message, and 
which will be found at jiage 111 of Senate doi-ument No. 1. of the present Ses- 
.sion. For information in relation to the other. I would respectfully refer to 
the report of Agent Calhoun transmitting it. a copy of which is herewith. 

The provisions of those treaties ai)pear to be judicious and well suited to 
establish a definite understanding with tlie Indians on the subject of our futui'e 
relations with them : and. if properly carried out. will, no doiibt. be productive 
of good results. I would therefore respectfully commend these tre.-ities to 
favourable consideration. 

Very &c O. B. 

[CALHOUN TO BROWN.=] 

No. 29. 

Indian Agency, 
Santa Fe, New Mexico. 

Jany 3rd 1850. 
Sir, 

In consequence of a communication addressed to Governor Munroe, 
by Col. May, which was placed before me, at the request of the 
Governor, I drew up the terms of a treaty, and Col. May and Genl. 
Cyrus Choice were authorized, as Commissioners, to hear what the 
Apaches had to say, and to make with them a treaty, if the said 
Commissioners should come to the conclusion, the Apache Chiefs, 
who might present themselves, were duly authorized to represent the 
tribe. 

The accompanying copy of a letter ^ from General Choice, marked 
No. 1, will give you all the information which has come to this 
point — that I have seen. 

Within the last fifteen days, a number of murders have been com- 
mitted — between this and El Paso — and in the interior South, and 

1 O. I. A., R. B., No. 6, p. 291. 

»0. I. A., Santa F6 Agency, C 406. See File-box, "Treaties, copies." 

^ See p. 0.3. 



CORRESPONDENCE OE JAMES S. CALHOUN, 99 

South East. It matters not what others may say, a stronger arm 
than has yet been here, ought to be in this territory — All is not well — 
Murders and depredations are occuring daily, and they are of sur-h 
frequent occurence, we seem to await patiently, our fate. 

While absent at Abiquin, the Governor of San Ildefonso called 
to complain that Mexicans, and others, were thrusting themselves 
into their Pueblos selling spirituous liquors, and creating great mis- 
chief and trouble with his people, and desiring advice as to what he 
should do — I have not yet seen the said Governor ; but I beg you for 
advice in the premises — 

Pardon me for saying we are as ignorant of the actings and doings 
in the United States, as w^e were two months ago — We have neither 
letters or papers — 
I am, 

dear Sir, 

Your obt Servt. 

James S. Calhoun 
To. Ind. Agt. 

Orlando Brown, Esq 

Comr. of Ind. Affs. ■:]{:\ vn; >• asarfrv .; 

Washington City, ' • ■ 

^ D. C. 

[CALHOUN TO BROWN.^] 

No. 30. 

Indian Agency 
Santa Fe New Mexico 

Jany 17th 1850 
Sir 

A mail closes for El Paso this morning and I learn that Gen 
Brooke has established a monthly mail between that point and San 
Antonio. Tex. I seize the moment to say, we have a rwmor that 
our mail for the States, for the 1st of Novr last, is lost, and the 
carriers killed by Indians.^ If this be true then we are ready to 
concede the loss of those of the 1st of Deer and 1st of this month — 
and if so, it will be a matter of the deepest regret to us of this 
territory. 

Our Indian troubles ^ are increasing in every direction, I made a 
treaty with the Utahs on the 30th of last month and since then 
it is said they have killed seven Mexicans and drove off a large 

^ O. I. A., Santa F6 Agency, C 416. 

2 Lieutenant Burnsldo was sent out to investigate the attack upon the mail-carriers 
and his account of the expedition Is given later on, in full, also a copy of the orders 
under which he acted. 

= .\s evidence of tins, see the letters from McLaws on pp. 101-102. 



100 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

quantity of Stock, There is no doubt as to the mischief done, but as 
to the circumstances, and by whom, there is doubt, which I will 
enquire into, so soon as I can procure a proper escort. We hear of 
the Apaches, East West and South, more daring and impudent than 
ever, As earnest, I suppose, of their future good intentions, the 
Apaches, some eight days ago, sent ten of their women to Col May 
at Socorro, [who] sent tliem off immediately. The circumstances are 
not explained to us. 

The trade and intercourse with the Apaches and Comanches by 
Mexicans^ Americans, and Pueblo Indians, is rapidly increasing, and 
until this is checked, we can not hope for the slightest improvement 
in our affairs. 

1 Let the Laws regulating ti"ado &c be extended over these tribes 
at once. 

2 Each tribe should have -fixed limits assigned to them, and there 
compelled to remain, though the U. S. Govt, should have to support 
them for a time. 

3. The Laws of No. 1. should be extended over the Pueblos, and 
they divided in such a way as to give to each district an Agent, and 
each pueblo, for this year should have a Sub-Agent. 

4. These Agents should have Ordnance and ordnance Stores, to 
be used as occasion may require. 

5 It is my decided opinion, it would be the best possible economy, 
to send out two mounted regiments for service here — without them, 
you can not explore the country, so as to decide discreetly where you 
should locate the four wild tribes — the Apaches, Comanches, Nava- 
joes and Utahs — without them, you can not keep the Indians in the 
limits you may assign them, nor can you prevent an illicit trade and 
intercourse, and the people of this territory must neither expect 
safety to their persons or property. 

night 
Mr. Hatcher, the guide to Col. Colliers party returned last 
and gives us melancholy intelligence as to the suffering of emigrants 
on the road — Something ought to be done for these starving people. 
Caf)t. Thorn, who had command of the escort, was drowned in 
crossing the Rio Colorado — also, a dragoon and two Mexicans — 
There was a death also, from disease — -The balance of the party, 
went through, in safety. 

I am admonished I must close. 

B^^A few Indians ought to be called to Washington. 
Respectfully 

J. S. Calhoun 

Ind. Agt. 
O. Brown Esqr 

Comr. Ind. Affs 

W ashington 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAM}5S S. CALHOUN. 101 

[Related Correspondence.] 

[McLAWS TO HOWE.i] 

Head Quarters 9th Mil Department 

Decemher 24th 18J,9. 
Major. 

I liave the honor herewith to acknowledge the receipt of your communication 
of the 22nd. with the letter of Don Manuel Armijo enclosed. 

Colonel Munroe directs, That, if there is a probability of overtaking the party 
of Apache Indians of which you make mention. You organise immediately a 
sufficient mounted force, to pursue, and endeavour, to overtake an punish the 
Indians in the most exemplary manner for their depredation &c, to recapture 
the prisoners and prisoners carried off. 

You are authorised to make any disposition of Captain Kers command which 
you think necessary, to ensure the execution of the above objects. 

You will forward to Captain Ker, the enclosed communication addressed to 
him, in which he is notified of the authority granted to you, relative to his 
command. 

So soon as the services of Capttiin Ker or his command can be dispensed with, 
you will order them to return to Cibolletta 
Your obdt Servt 

L. McLaws 
1st Lt 7 Infv 

AAA Genl 
Major Howe 

Commanding 

Alhurquerque. 

i McLAWS TO KER.2] 

Head Quarters 9th Mil Department 

December 2J,tn 18^9 
Captain. 

Major Howe, being instructed to make an expedition against a party of 
Apache Indians & it being probable that a larger mounted force will be re- 
quired, than he has under his control— Colonel Munroe has authorised him, to 
make such disposition of the force at your Post (Cibolletta) as he may deem 
necessary. 

You will accordingly hold yourself and command in readiness to obey any 
order, from Major Howe. 

So soon as your services can be dispensed with, from the expedition now 
contemplated Major Howe has been inslructed that you return to your Post. 
Respectfully 

Your obdt servt 

L McLaws 
1st Lt 7 Infy 

AAA Qenl 
Captain Ker 

Commanding 

Cibolletta 



A. G. O., Old Book, No. 2, pp. 11-12. 
lUUi., p. 12. 



102 COREESPONDENCJE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

[Mc,.AWS TO IMAY.'l 

Head Quarters 9th Mil Department 
Santa FA New Mexico, January 13th 1850. 
Colonel. 

The accompany Department order No. 1 directs that company D 2nd 
Dragoons be turned over to Tvieut Griffin 2nd artillery with the proper pro- 
portion, from the squadron, of horses and horse equipage, arras, amunition. 
accoutrements &c Lieut Griffin will then proceed with the company and take 
Post at Albiquin 

Recent Indian difficulties in the northern portion of the Territory require a 
mounted force to be stationed at Albiquin. and it becomes necessary to detail 
a company from your command for that service there being no other availaWe 
mounted force — The Dragoons at Taos have become so much reduced in num- 
bers that they are barely sufficient to protect the inhabitants in the vicinity 
of that Post from the constant depredations of the Indians — 

It was Colonel Munroes intention and desire to retain the squadron under 
your command. But the necessities of service have rendered the sejieration of 
that force, at present, unavoidable. But it is hoped that events may so happen, 
that the squadron, can be again united. 
Your obdf servt 

L McLaws 1st Lt 7 Infy A A A Genl 
Col. May 

rMcLAWS TO BEALI..2] 

Head Quarters 9th Mil Department 

Santa Fe Ne^v Mexico J any 31" 1850. 
Colonel 

I have the honor herewith to acknowledge the receipt of your communica- 
tions of the 29th 

Colonel Munroe directs me to inform you that one company of Dragoons, 
under Lieut C. Griffin 2 arty is now at Abiquin He is aware that there is not a 
sufficient force under your command to accomplish all that you would desire 
to perform, But there is no disposable force now in the Territory which could 
be sent to reinforce your command. ^Nlajor Steen's company at Dofiana has been 
continually in the field. The exigencies ofi service, render it necessary that his 
present position should be occupied — It is hoped that the company at Abiquin 
will be sufficient for all purposes, — I have been instructed by the Col. to in- 
form Captain Judd at Las "Vegas, that the L^ta & Apache Indians are reported 
to be in large numbers on the Rayado Frontier. 
Respectfully 

Your obdt servl 

L McLaws 

1 Lieut 7 Infy 

AAA Genl 
Col B L. Beall 

Commanding 

Don Fernandez: dc Taos 

lA. G. O., 01(1 Book. No. 2, p. 17. 
2 Ibid, p. 21. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 103 

[CALHOUN TO BROWN.'] 

No. 31. 

Indian Agency, 

Santa Fe, New Mexico. 

J any 25, 1860. 
Sir, 

On the iTtli of the present month, I addressed to you a hastily- 
written letter, a copy of which is herein enclosed. Since then I have 
crossed the mountains north, and visited the Pueblo of Taos, and 
returned last night having been in a continual snow storm for seven 
days. 

The Indians of Taos were in a moody and dissatisfied State. They 
complained of Mexican encroachments upon their Soil, and that the 
laws hy which they had been governed from time immemorial, were 
being subverted, and gave as evidence of the latter fact, that their 
Alcaldes were now appointed by the Government at Santa Fe, instead 
of the annual elections to which they had been accustomed. They 
pray for protection, and the extension of the United States Indian 
Laws over them. 

I promised to make known to the President of the United States 
their complaints, and assured them, that in good time, proper reme- 
dies would be applied. This gave them decided satisfaction. The 
wrongs to which the Pueblo Indians are subjected, are inconceivable, 
and ought to be remedied without a moments delay. Mexican 
Alcaldes, sheriffs &.G &c. appointed by American authority, are 
demanding just such contributions as they may desire, for their own 
use — and many of the Pueblos have yielded to these unjust demands, 
and for which there is not the shadow of a law. The Alcaldes go 
a step further, and divorce a woman from her husband, whenever it 
suits their pleasure. 

On my return from Taos, I found two deputations waiting for 
advice in reference to these glaring wrongs, and through Governor 
Munroes orders I hope to arrest a part of the mischief com- 
plained of. 

I must repeat, what I have so frequently written to you. that these 
Indians ought to have immediate protection, or worse evils than any 
yet experienced, will be witnessed in this territory. 

B^^ If there can not be immediate Congressional action, I respect- 
fully submit, that by a treaty, which I can make at once with these 
Indians, the evils alluded to can all be corrected. There ought to be 
no delay in this matter. 

The depredations by the Apache and Navajo Indians, during the 
past week, have been numerous, and several murders perpetrated. It 

1 O. I. a., Santa F6 Agency, C 416. 



104 COKliESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

inattei's not what others may say to yon, it is my duty to advise you, 
tliat our Indian troubles are daily increasing, and our e-fjiciency as 
rapidly decreasing. 

i^^Two additional mounted Regiments are absolutely necessary 
for the proper protection of the interests of New JSIexico, and this w-itl 
would 

be conceded by every intelligent individual, if he could see 
the truth as Ave know it to exist. 

Many of the Indians are exceedingly anxious to visit the President 
of the United States, and I am decidedly of the opinion, they ought 
to be indulged on account of the public good that would necessarily 
result therefrom. Unless the Government of the United States should 
bo pleased to give me military employment in this territory, T should 
be pleased to accompany such a deputation as may be authorized 
to visit Washington. 
I am, Sir, 

With great respect. 

Your obt. Servt 

J. S. Calhoun 

Ind. Agt 
Orlando Brown Esqr. 

Comr. of Ind. A/fs. 

' W ashington City 

D.r. 

[CALHOUN TO BROWN.'] 

No. :V2. 

Indian Agency 

Santa Fe, New Mexico 

Jany. 25th 1850. ' 
Sir. 

Since T forwarded my mail of this morning, in charge of Mr lirent 
and party, I have had a large number of applications for Licenses to 
trade with the Kioway and Comanche Indians. As these traders 
informed me they did not intend leaving for several days, I did not 
give them the permits asked for. 

I have frequently called your attention to the pernicious conse- 

and intercourse 
quences resulting from the indiscriminate trade ^ 
permitted with the Indians of this territory — See my letters of the 
15th of last October— Novr. 2d. & 7th. The following is an extract 
from my No. 18. Novr. 2d. 



1 O. I. a., Santa F6 Agency, C 429. 

"The documents on i)i). 107-10*) ilUislrato the various troubles growing- out of the trade 
with the Indians. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 105 

" The constant and unrestrained intercourse of traders with the 
Indians of this territory, is, perhaps, the greatest curse upon it, and 
so exceedingly pernicious is it, I have ventured to suggest to Govr. 
Munroe, the propriety of extending, hy order^ the laws of Congress in 
relation to trade and intercourse with Indian tribes, over this terri- 
tory as a military measure, offensive and defensive, called for by the 
war demonstrations of the wild tribes. He has taken the matter 
into consideration, but has given no intimation of the conclusion to 
which he may possibly arrive." 

I was authorized 

On the 21st of November, last, to give the fol- 

lowing notice, which I caused to be extensively circulated. 

Indian Agency 
Santa Fe, New Mexico, 

November Ust, 18 h9. 
Licenses, to trade with Indians, will be granted by the 
undersigned, upon the following conditions, provided ( 
they are approved by His Excellency, Governor Munroe, 
Military commander of this Department. 

Applicants must be citizens of the United States, pro- 
duce satisfactory testimonials of good character, and 
give bond in a penal sum not exceeding five thousand 
dollars, with one or more sureties, that he will faithfully , 

observe all the laws and regulations made for the gov- { 

ernment of trade and intercourse with the Indian tribes 
of the United States, and in no respect violate the same, 
and that they will not trade in fire-arms, powder, lead, 
or other munitions of war. 

Applicants will distinctly state what tribe they wish 
to trade with, and under a license granted, they will not \ 

be authorized to trade with others. 

For the present, no license will be granted authorizing 
trade or intercourse with the Apaches, Navajoes, or 
Utahs. 

James S. Calhoun, 

Indian Agent. 

The foregoing regulations having been approved, all 
traders and others are informed, a non-compliance with 
the conditions will subject offenders to the penalties due 
to irregular traders. 

By calling at my office, the laws mentioned can be 
examined, and such further information given as may be 
desired. 

J. S. C. 

Nov. 24-2in. 



106 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S, CALHOUN. 

At the time I issued the foregoing notice, I was not ignorant that 
the hiws of the United States, regulating trade and intercourse with 
Indians, had not been extended over this territory, and my object 
was to arrest the evils — inflicted upon this people by mischievous 
wandering traders, to such an extent as might be practicable. To 
Americans and Mexicans, I have taken the responsibility of charging 
each a fee of ten dollars — $10. 

This, I supposed for a time, had checked the trade and intercourse ; 
but not So — for a dozen or more would Club together, select one as 
Chief, and the whole business would be conducted in his name — 
Under these circumstances I have issued three licenses — but the num- 
ber of traders now actually with the Indians, were I have reason t<» 
beleive, were never greater, and never more injurious to the public 

the effort 
tranquility — No one doubts the fact, that notwithstanding 
to arrest and restrict the trading mentioned, many of the traders da 
not hesitate to go into the Countries where the Apaches, Navajoes 
and Utahs are found. This induced me to give the following notice 
in Spanish as well as English. 



Indian Agency, 

Santa Fe, December 16th^ 18^9. 

In no instance has the undersigned granted a License 
authorizing trade with the Apaches, Navijoes or Utahs, 
and with the first and last named tribes he includes the 
Jicarillas. All trade with these Indians is irregular, 
and traders are subject to such penalties as may be im- 
posed by the legally constituted authorities of this Terri- 
tory. 

J. S. Calhoun, Indian A<jf. 

2 in. 

But 1 doubt very much whether this notice has had any other effect 
than to make the traders a little more cautious — 

The Pueblo Indians are in the in th e constant habit of trading 
with the Comanches, which ought to be gently and quietly stopped. 
In every instance I have promptly given to these applicants a 
simple permit, without charging a fee of any amount, but treating 
them with the greatest kindness and hospitality .^ the latter at some 
considerable cost^ which I trust will not be disapproved, when it is 

our relations with them 
remembered, are in a critical State, rendered 

so, as I have frequently advised you, by the iniquitous conduct of 
Alcaldes, Prefects, and evil disposed Mexicans, Americans, English, 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN, 107 

and others — all committing gross wrongs, which are not, and which, 
as the law stands, I can not correct or remedy — To some of these 
wrongs, I alluded to in ni}^ letter of this date, which should have been 
numbered 31. 

With the hope that this letter may overtake Mr Brent's party, and 
reach you at an early day, 

I have the honor to be, 
Your obt. Servt. 

J. S. Calhoun 

Ind. Agt 
Orlando Brown Esqr 

Comr. of Ind. Afs. 

Washington City 

B.C. 

[Related Correspondence.] 
[McLAWS TO ALEXANDER.!] 

Hd. Qrs. 9 Mil. Dept. 
Mnta Fe N. Mer". June 6. 50. 
Colonel, 

I have the honor hereby to acknowledge the receipt of the Post return of 
Las Vegas under your command for the month of May 1S50 copies of orders 
issued during the montli & of a communication of the 2d Inst. In reference to 
Maj. Griers command at the Rayado, to persons trading with the Indians & 
requesting that one or two Mountain Howitzers with ammunition be sent to 
Las Vegas. 

Col. Munroe directs me to reply 
As regards sending Co. K 2d Drgs: to tlie Rayado to reinforce Maj. Griers com- 
mand; you are allowed to make such disposition of that company as in your 
opinion would most conduce to the interest of the Service But in ordering 
Lt. Adams with Co. K to report to Major Grier inform the Major that in so 
doing, you are not deprived of the right to recal the company for service at 
your Post, should .any exigency arise requiring its presence; It is not thought 
necessary that any order or instructions other than those already given should 
be issued relative to the joint co-operation of the Forces at Las Vegas & the 
Rayado whenever you or Major Grier should require assistance from each 
other; because it is known that entire unanimity will be observed in order to 
advance the interest of the Service. The authority to grant Licences to trade 
with the Indians has been vested by the Governor in the Indian Agent alone. 
No Licence to trade with the Apaches has been or will be granted by the Indian 
Agent. You will keep a strict watch on all trading parties if any are found 
without licences you can use your discretion as to retaining them in confine- 
ment keeping their Goods or merely turning them back with orders not to pro- 
ceed In both cases you will report the facts to these Hd. Qrs: If persons or 
parties even with Licences to trade should be found having contraband articles 
for traffic in their possession such as arms or amunition of any kind or 
liquors of any sort you will arrest & confine the Parties & seize & hold their 

lA. G. 0., Old Book, No. 3, pp. 90-91. 



108 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

Goods until the decisiou of the Col. Couidg upon each case is known. You will 
be careful on every occasion to obtain the correct names of the Individuals 
I forward herewith a Letter from Col Calhoun the Indian Agent to Col. Munroe 
of June 2. l.snO containing a list of Persons who have been authorized to trade 
with the Indians in iV: upon the Borders of New Mexico. 

A large body of Camanche Indians who are represented as being friendly are 
now collected on the Pecos at the Bosque Redando; So soon as arrangements 
can be entered into with them by which we will be enabled to open trade & 
at the same time cut off all intercourse with the hostile Apaches & other 
unfriendly Indians; trading Licences will be granted under proper guarantees 
& restrictions; It is desirable to send them the above notice & if an opportunity 

perhaps be 
does not otherwise offer, it will necessary to effect that object for 

you to grant a Licence to some one to trade with them ; if such is the case you 
are hereby authorised to grant a special License, specifying the time when the 
Licence was given & when it expires & designaling by name first the principal 
& then his associates 
Respectfully 

Your obt. Servt. 

L. McLaws 

1st Lt 7th Infy 

AAA Genl 
Col. E. B. Ar-Kx.\NDEU 

Conimdg 
Las Vegas 



[munroe TO JONES/] 



Hd. Qrs. 9 Mil. Dkpt: 
Santa Fe N. Mex: 11 June 1850. 
Sir, 

The proper regulation of Trade & Intercourse between the people of New 
Mexico & the Indian Tribes on its Borders is so intimately connected with what- 
ever relates to Military ojjerations that I regret I did not bring the subject to 
the particular notice of the Secretary of War at an earlier period. The Files of 
the Home Dept will I believe shew from the correspondence of the Ind : Agent 
Col : Calhoun many of the difficulties which exist from the want of such regula- 
tions; As a sequence to these remarks I take the liberty of submitting the fol- 
lowing propositions for such consideration as they may seem entitled to. 

1st The Extension over New Mexico &c of the present Laws regulating Trade 
& Intercourse with the Indians Tribes with such modifications as may adapt 
ihem to their new sphex-e of operation. 

2d The Imposition of suitable penalties for Violations of the eleventh article 
(if the Treaty of peace between the U S & Mexico 

3d That the Connuander of the Ti-oops be invested with superiory authority 
over the Indians Department in whatever relates to these 1st & 2d propositions 
so long as our present peculiar relations with the Indian Tribes continue. The 
independant action of different agents owning no common superior makes the 
l)ropriety of some such rule sufl3ciently obvious. For a long time past the 
Praire Tribes have been supplied with arms and ammunition by the traders on 
the Frontier of Texas & the contiguous States; In this Territory from the utterly 
unscrupulous character of much of its population illicit trade has at all times 



A. G. O., Old Book, No. ;{, pp. 98-99. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 109 

uuder its former, as well as its present government been extensively carried on. 
I believe I do not err in stating tliat five-sixths of the Mules in New Mexico 
and have been brought from Mexico the produce of predatory Indian incursions 
into that country. 

Mules form the Staple on one side »& arms and ammunition the first item on 
the other of all the Traffic carried on & this commerce is pursued with Bauds 
in actual Hostility against us, nearly to the same extent as if at peace 
I am respectfully 

Your Very obt Servt 

Sgd John Munroe 

Bvt. Col. U. 8. A 

Gomdg 
Maj. Genl. R Jones 

Adg. Qen. 
V. S. A. 

[munroe to graham.^] 

Hd. Qks. 9 Mil. Dept. 
Santa Fe N. Mex. Octr. 15. 50 
Sir, 

I have received your Letter of the 13 Inst, on the subject of the Utahs aud 
New Mexico Traders. 

For the purpose of properly regulating trade with the Utahs you are hereby 
authorised to grant such Licenses to traffic with them as in your judgement & 
discretion you may deem proper. In relation to ammunition you will also 
have the regulation of it allowing them to purchase moderate supplies as you 
suggest. 

The enclosed Letter of this date from Col. Calhoun Indian Agent to me and 
having my approval you can view as being addressed to yourself 

Mr. Ashurst Attorney General will visit you for the purpose of bailing out 
the prisoners, I pursued a similar course with contraband traders at Cibolletta 

The absence of Congressional Legislation regulating trade with the Indian 
Tribes within our new acquisitions and also to carry out the terms of our 
treaty with Mexico throws responsibilities upon me in the exercise of which 
I have to use all due discretion 
I am &c &c 

Major Graham— John Munkoe 

[CALHOUN TO CRAWFORD.'] 

Santa Fe, New Mexico 

Ja7iy. ^6th 1850. 

Sir, 

The impression prevails that our mail for the United States of 
November last, is lost. That mail contained the original of the en- 
closed copy of a letter ^ to yon, which with the accompanying memo- 
randum,* will fully explain the object desired; and I sincerely hope 

lA. G. O., Old Book, No. 3, p. 202. 

2 A. G. O., C 64 of 1850. 

3 See Calhoun to Crawford, October 27, 1849, A. G. 0., C 47 of 1849. 
* Prepared for Calhoun by Lieutenant A. C. Burnside, Ibid. 



110 CUKRESPOXDEXCE OF JAMES S. CALiKJUX. 

you will, at an early day, gratify my friend, Lt liitrnside, who is an 
officer of decided merit. Lt. B's application will be forwarded to 
the Adjt. General's Office by the conveyance which carries this to 
you. 

My last letter from Washington was dated in July last, and we 
are as ignorant as men can be of what has transpired in the States 
since that period. 

Will you not enlighten m^e^ hy domiments, or othe'rwise? 
"With great respect, 

Your obt. Servt. 

J. S. Calhoitn 
Sec. or Wak 

Washington City 

[CALHOTTN TO CRAWFORD.'] 

Santa Fe, Xew Mexico 

J any. 25th. 1850. 
Sir, 

The two enclosed letters Avill show you the reason wliy I again 
arrest your attention for a moment. These gentlemen, the writers 
of the two letters, feel themselves aggrieved, and I am decidedly of 
the opinion, if you will cause this matter to be thoroughly investi- 
gated, as I doubt not you will, you will come to the conclusion that 
I have too wit, they have been neglected, for causes not stated in 
either of the accompanying communications. 

My impression is. the names of these gentlemen were sent up, and 
the individuals, in consequence of their meritorious conduct, 'trere 
recommended for promotion. But unfortunately for them, Lt. 
Thomas - is a relation of Governor Francis Thomas of Maryland, 
and it is believed that Senator Benton prevailed upon Sec. Marcy 
to withhold Thomas' name, and that could not be done without show- 
ing to the public gross injustice, as the officers were alike meritorious, 
and therefore, rather than act in opposition to Mr. Benton's wishes, 
in reference to Thomas, the}' were made to share the same fate, which 
was just, but the fate to which they were subjected, I verily beleive 
should be reversed, and I, respectfully, ask you to make such en- 
quiries as shall satisfy your own mind upon the subject, and if com- 
patible with your sense of justice, I know it will afford you as much 
pleasure to advance these officers, as they will derive by receiving 
what they claim as but sheer justice, too long deferred. 

lA. G. O., Files C 63 and C 132 of 1850. 

2 Francis John Thomas fought on the Confederate side durinsr the Civil War and was 
killed at the Battle of Bull Run. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. Ill 

The facts as I state them, are, in my opinion, unknown to Judd, 
and hence some unjust allusions in his letter. Lt Thomas' friends 
were, doubtless, correctly informed^ as they were as devoted to the 
then administration as Mr Benton, but they were less potential. 

I am, 
Sir, 

With great respect. 

Your obt Servt. 

J. S. Calhoun. 
Sec. of War. 

Washington Oiti/, 
D. C. 

[Inclosures] 
1. 

[thomas to calhoun] 

Santa Fe New Mexico 

January ^Jfth 1850 

My Dear Sir 

At Captain Jndd's ^ advice & request, I beg to mention to you the 
follow- facts, premising, that though myself a party interested, still 
as I have almost concluded my arrangements to leave the Army, E 
feel that I ought not to let any false delicacy on my part restrain me 
from claiming what I conceive to be due, inasmuch as silence on my 
part might indirectly militate against the just claims of my friends 
and brothers-in-arms. I will therefore mention the main facts as 
succinctly as possible — 

On the 12th day of September 1847, while the Army was lying in 
front of Mexico, Twiggs' ^ Division, constituting the Right, was 
employed in making an active demonstration against the enemy's 
left to favor the operations of our left, on the enemy's right, to wit, 
the points of Chapultepec, and the causeways lending thence into the 
city. 

Twiggs' Artillery being found too light for effective service, a 

was 
twelve pound field Battery belonging to Quitiiunrs'' Division ftftd 
ordered to perform tem'porary service with Twiggs. On this <^orvice 

1 Henry Bethel Judd. Many of the letters of Major Judd, descriptive of New Mexican 
conditions, are on file in the War Department and are highly interesting. 

- David Emanuel Twiggs, who distinguished himself at the storming of Monterey and 
who was the general in command in Texas at the time of her secession. Twiggs was dis- 
missed from the U. S. A. and joined the C. S. A. 

"John Anthony Quitman who also distinguished himself at the storming of Monterey. 



112 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

fe hcy it continued until the afternoon of the 13th, whe, the enemy's 
right having been beaten, and our left rapidly approaching the 
Gavita's of Belen and San Posme, the Battery Avas again ordered to 
rejoin Quitman, which it did at the Belen Gate before night, threw 
up epaulments, and on the 14th, marched into the City of Mexico 
with the victorious Army, and was the first Battery in the Grand 
Plaza. The services of this Battery were spoken of in the highest 
terais, by Generals Scott, Quitman, and Twiggs, the latter of whom, 
in his Division Order on the occasion, " tendered his personal thanks 
to Captain Steptoe and the Oificers of his Battery," with a few ex- 
pressions of compliment, and admiration, unnecessary for me to par- 
ticularize. 

From the above short statement, you will j^erceive that Steptoe's 
Battery^ acted under the great disadvantage^ of serving during the 
same battle, under tioo different Generals., and with tioo distinct 
Divisions. The consequence was, that, the Battery was only known 
to, and mentioned by, the two Generals as Steptoe''s Battery, and the 
after result is, that the reward, bestowed in every other case without 
exception upon every ojfhcer of Light Artillery during the war.^ has in 
this case been withheld from the effie© subalterns of this particular 
Battery. That the Battery %t)as productive of effect, is shown by the 
fact that its effieefs Captain received the Brevet of Lieutenant Colonel 
for this very action, while its subalterns, 1st Lieut. Judd, 1st Lieut. 
Brown., 1st Lieut. Thomas and 2d Lieut. 'Welch were passed by un- 
noticed. 

I would further mention that Captain Judd and myself have both 
received many letters from our Brother officers, expressive of the 
feelings with which they regard this neglect, — Of the tone of their 
letters, that of Captain Judd's to me, which has been placed in your 
hands, is but the reflection — Should you be of opinion that our serv- 
ices entitle us to a reward (which we do not claim as a desert., further 
than that the services were of the same nature, and in fact a part of 
those that have been so rewarded) I beg to bespeak your aid and in- 
fluence on behalf of the subalterns of that Battery, whose services 
gained its Captain a Lieutenant Colonelcy, 
in the case 

/ have but little interest — (and that principally from a 

desire 
feeling of friendship, and a strong feeling of justice to my Brother 
officers) since one of the subalterns I have referred to (Lieut. Welch) 

iThe letters on pp. 114-119, 146-148. throw additional light upon Steptoe's Battery. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 113 

is since dead, and another, nwself expect shortly to retire from the 
service 

I am Colonel 

With great respect 

Yours Very Sincerely 

FRA^ J. Thomas 
Col J. S. Calhoun 



[judd to thomas.] 

Las Vegas New Mexico 

January loth 
My Dear Thomas — ■ 

The more I dwell upon the indignities, slights and neglects cast 
npon the officers of Steptoes Battery by being passed on in silence, 
while men who have never seen the soil of Mexico or heard the sound 
of a hostile shot, have been crowned with honors, the less am I in- 
clined to support such d— — g injustice and to be subjected to such 
inequitous insults — It is our right, it is our solemn duty to demand 
justice and we must not allow false delicacy to suppress the truth or 
balk our principles of what we believe to be our righteous dues. 

The acts making the last Brevets have capped the work and we need 
no longer hesitate to demand what we have fought and toiled for so 
long in vain — I need not say how much I appreciate the treatment 
you have received nor how greedily I thirst to see your neglect 
repaired 

Now must be our time, or never; the present Session is a long one 
and may be the last which will offer us a chance to obtain the desired 
end of simple justice — I have written to Hugh Smith a very decided 
letter in behalf of yourself, the Bearer and myself, and have desired 
him to go direct to the President and demand as our right that posi- 
tion conferred upon so many less deserving of it. He will probably 
at my request consult with Mr. Yulee — 

Now, Thomas, do you by the opportunity offered b}^ Mr. Beek's 
party renew your statement of last winter, demand our rights, as 
rights alone and call upon the member to whom you address yourself 
in the name of all of us for that justice withheld from us so long 
thro' the indolence or indifference of our Captain for whom we 
gained a Lt. Colonelcy — 

Go also to Col. Calhoun who is the intimate friend of the War 
statement in 
Secty, and give him a writing of our claims, our services 

and our demands, and from what I know of him, he will be an able 
5021—15 S 



114 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

and a willing advocate. Let no false modesty interfere with this 
duty, but look upon it, as I do, as a sacred obligation demanded by 
what is due our friends, our history and our future reputation — Make 
your statement full, clear and explicit; let the dates be made plain 
and the reasons why we have not been mentioned in the Reports of 
the Generals so apparent that no misconception can arise — viz; the 
indolence or indijference of our immediate Commander, or the fact 
that being attached to no particular Division no Genrl. felt interested 
in our proceedings and consequently omitted the mention of the 
Subalterns — Do this, my dear Thomas, for us all, and be assured that 
I will not relinquish our claims until justice is either forgotten or 
received — 

Yours hastily but truly Judd 

We seek nothing that is not right; omit therefore no step that is 
honorable — 

[Related Correspondence.] 
[jUDD AND THOMAS TO THE SECRETARY OF AVAR.^] 

New Mexico, 21th January ISJ/O. 

At the request of our friend Col. James S. Calhoun the following statement is 
respectfully submitted to The Honourable. The Secretary of War. 

Of all the OfBcers who were attached as Subalterns to the Batterie's oper- 
ating with the Army under the General in Chief during that brilliant Campaign 
which resulted in the fall of the Mexican Capital, and the termination of the 
War, those alone of " Steptoe's Battery " have remained unnoticed, unretoarded, 
and tinknoiDH, as having been participators in that glorious achievement. 

This Battery — of Brass 12 Pdr. Guns, and 24 Pdr. Howitzers arranged for 
Field purposes, — was organized and equipped at Tampico. by Lieut. & Bvt. Capt. 
Henry B. Judd, assisted by Lieut. & Bvt. Capt. Brown 3d. arty, under the 
supervision of its Captain E. J. Steptoe 3d. art. 

Bvt. Capt. Judd with one half the Battery — 3 Guns — landed with the Troops 
at Vera Cruz, and was the first place in position, soon after which he was 
joined by the rest of the Officers, and the remainder of the Battery. The 
history of that Campaign embraces the history of that Battery, whose Officers 
were present with it, commanding, directing, and bringing into action the men 
whom the Subalterns had instructed and disciplined in the duties of that arm 
of Service at all the actions in which it was engaged. It was the good fortune 
of Lleuts. Judd and Brown to be placed in a situation, at the bridge of Medelin 
near Vera Cruz, where a signal service was rendered to the gallant Col. Harney, 
by routing with their Guns the enemy that had held him at bay from a position 
unapproachable with his Command, and for which service he made it his duty 
to cause them to be remembered. These Brevets, however, not beii^g in any w^ay 
connected with the movements which followed the fall of Vera Cruz have 
failed to place the recipients on that honourable list which in future years will 
be referred to as the most distinguishing mark of the serA-ice rendered by those 
whose names are there enrolled. 

In this small but hotly contested affair Capt. Steptoe was not an actor. Dur- 
ing the siege of Vera Cruz ; at the battle of Cerro Gordo ; the Capture of Pueblo ; 

1 A. G. O., C 31 and C 132 of 1849, enclosed in C 63 of 1850. 



CORRESPONDENCE OP JAMES S. CALHOUN. 115 

at the Garita of Piedad (or San Antonio) ; the entrance into the City of Mexico 
and for three days afterwards while the populace and released prisoners, were 
let loose upon our army that Battery was in position and never without its 
Subalterns who, each commanding a Gun, directed, controlled, and entirely gov- 
erned the pieces which they fought. 

If facts are wanting to prove the efticieucy of this Battery, they are amply 
furnished by the tico Brevets received by its Captain, one of a Major, the other 
of a Lieut. Col : and the certificates of merit, issued by the department to nearly 
every private of his Battery who returned to the United States. But his 
Subalterns. liieuts. and Bvt. Captains — Judd — H. Brown, and Lieut. F. J. 
Thomas, who were present at, and took part in every affair, in which their Cap- 
tain was engaged — and some that it was not his good fourtune to share, remain 
neglected, forgotten and unmentioned. 

The cause of this is easily explained. The Battery from its being the heav- 
iest Field Battery with the Army, was permanently attached to no Division, 
Brigade, or particular Army Corps, but held in reserve and sent wherever 
its superior weight of metal rendered it efficient over the lighter, but more 
mobile Batteries of 6 pounders, which were all incorporated with some particu- 
lar Brigade of Troops. Thus very naturally, no General Officer, considered it 
as his especial duty to mention, the Services of a Battery not under his imme- 
diate contronl, beyond the ordinary thanks he might choose to convey to its 
Captain, and each thinking us attached to another Brigade or Division whose 
General would see that justice was rendered us, refrained from giving us that 
place in his report, which our services, and successes fully entitled the Bat- 
tery to receive, and we have suffered accordingly. 

Our names will not be found on record, even in the reports of the several 
affairs above enumerated, or if they enter into any of them, so partial a men- 
tion is made, as to cause an inviduous and unjust inference to be at once drawn 
from them : as for example at Cerro Gerdo and the Garita of Beliu, when all 
were present, but somewhat seperated by the disposition of our respective 
Guns, two are mentioned and the others not noticed because not coming under 
(he direct observation of the Officer in that part of the field with the first two. 
We cannot therefore refer to records. Orders, or Reports, but to our statements 
upon honour, to our Captain and to half the Officers of that victorious Army. 
Honours and rewards have been showered upon our Commander and upon our 
men, while the perils, trials, efforts and successes of the junior Officers remain 
unrequited. If those only who have fought for, and won, their honours have 
been rewarded, how loto are we sunk, in the opinion of our judges who still 
I>lod through our profession with humble grade and lowly rank from which 
we have striven in vain to elevate ourselves? How dreary is the future to 
those whose honourable ambition meets with such a return? The past has 
gained us nothing, what hope have we then for the future, even should our 
experienced but neglected services be again needed by our beloved Country? 
Of the three Subalterns of that Battery now living. One has served his Country 
eleven years, seven of which have been passed in the field or upon distant 
stations, another nine, and another six years. The junior Lieut F. J. Thomas, 
was an active participator in the siege and fall of Monterey for which he has 
never been noticed and it is but fair for us all to Infer, that onr lives devoted 
to a profession which wo love, might draw lo an linni ilc close amid (he most 
brilliant successes, to wiiidi we may li:i\e been permitted to be martyrs, but 
never allowed to hope for rewards while living. 

On the 12th and l.'itli of Sepr. -17. our Battery was posted on an open road, to 
open a fire upon the work at tiie C.-iiii;! I'iedad i or S.-ni Antonio > as .i diversion 



116 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

in favour of the attack upon the Castle of Chepultepec. We contended against 
a I'.attery in position, behind strong fortifications of double our number of 
Guns in double our calibre. 

We on both days silenced their fire, dismounted some of their Guns, caused 
the work to be hastily evacuated, and under this powerful diversion the Castle 
of Chepultepec was attacked and carried; Each Subaltern here commanded a 
Gun, our Captain was Brevetted a Lieut. Col. for Chepultepec. five miles off; 
his Officers were not noticed but the men have received Certificates of Merit 
for this affair. 

Pardon, Sir, the plainness, and abruptness of this statement, made at the 
instance of one who has seen and felt an interest in our position and the neg- 
lect we have suffered, and which is also essential in the absence of all reports 
and records at the War Office. 
With liigh respect, 
We remain 

Tour Obt Servts 

(Signed) Henry B. Judd, 

F. J. Thomas, 
Lieutenants 3d. Artillery. 
The Honourable 

The Secbetary of War 

Washinffton City 

D. C. 

[brown to shields.^] 

Fort Adams R. I. 

June 7th 1830 
General : 

I have the honor to recall myself to your recollection and with this without 
further preface, to ask your valuable services in seconding my claims upon the 
government for a Brevet earned as I think at " Cerro Gordo." 

You may remember that I was in that engagement— that it was with the 
assistance of the sturdy men of your Brigade we were enabled during the night 
of the 18th April to place our guns upon the eminence opposite the enemy's 
works — that the night preceeding the battle was one of hard endurance and 
labor for the men of your command with whom I was associated in dragging 
the guns by inches up the mountain — that tlie two guns of Steptoe's Battery 
were placed upon the crest of the hill without a shovel full of earth in front 
to cover our thin files from the plunging fire of the ennimy's batters, while 
the 24 lb gun on our Right was comfortably ensconced behind a parapet built 
by the sai)pers and miners the previous night — that the next morning you — • 
the only General Officer I saw then, came up in person to the summit of the 
mountain and while examining the position of the guns exchanged some words 
with me while we were preparing for action, and to the effect that we were 
not to fail to open upon the ennemies heights by 8 O. cloclv — and your own 
personal observation then & there made can enable you to judge whether 
steptoes guns had been planted at the post of danger and of honor — 

I now claim a small share of the credit due for that brilliant, bold feat of 
arms, in placing our Artillerj' on a vantage ground amidst the clouds, and 
that in presence and in face of the ennemies batteries — 

All the officers of artillery who participated in tlie cannonade that followed, 
were brevetted — except myself, — I am impatient under this unenviable and 

1 A. G. 0., S 157 of 1850. 



COKEESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN". 117 

as I think unjust exception^— wliich leaves me alone without distinction and at 

this late day I ha^e determined to surmount all scruples of delicacy and 

plead my own cause with that energy and perseverance which ever comes to 

the assistance of men resolved at all hazards to vindicate themselves in what 

is just and Right — 

If upon consideration of my case you deem it worthy of your attention and 

good wishes I earnestly solicit your intercession with the war department in 

my favor — You linow general from your past experience, that injustice, slights 

and neglects must be fatal to the hopes and aspirations of a military man who 

strives for an honest fame. 

With many wishes for your continued prosper! tj' and advancement in the 

high cause before you 

I remain 

With high respect & esteem 

Your ob. svt. 

Hach Brown 

,„ ^ , . c Bvt Capt U. 8. A. 

lo General James Shields, 

Hon. Senator from lU. 

Washington D. C. 

[brown to JONES.^] 

Fort Adams R. I. 

June 8th 1850 
General : 

As the subject of conferring Brevets for services in the late war with Mexico 
may again be revived and reopened, I respectfully request and invite an exami- 
nation of my claims to an additional Brevet for the Battle of " Cerro Gordo." 
No particular report of the operations of Colonel Steptoe's Battery In that 

in 
action was made; it formed no part of the Division of General Twiggs, and 
his report of the action was altogether overlooked — 

A supplemental paragraph, in vague and general terms of the usual stereo- 
typed form, which would have applied as well to any other battle as that of 
" Cerro Gordo ; "' carried with it no convincing proofs and so far from amend- 
ing only aggravated and made the previous slight more glaring and apparent. 

Hence it is, I earnestly seek from the Department a more particular exami- 
nation of my claims for a Brevet for services in the action above referred \o — 
I have the honor to be 
Very respectfully 
Yr. ob. St. 

Hach Brown 

Bvt Capt U. 8. A. 
To Major Genl. R Jones 

Adj Genl U 8. A. 

Washington D. G. 

[STKI'TOK TO JOKES.^] 

Fort Meade, Fla. 

June 28 1850 
General — 

At the request of Capt. Browne I have the honor to inclose to you a com- 
munication received by me a day or two since ; and, also, one from myself to the 
Secretary of War. 

lA. G. O., B 354 Of 1850, enclosed in C 63 of 1850. 
2 A. G. O., S 341 of 1850, enclosed In C G3 of 1850. 



118 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

It is known to you that my Section at the cerro Gordo, and my Battery on a 
subsequent occasion, liad the singular misfortune to fight in a different Division 
from that it S3rved & marched with, and thus to lose the advantage, enjoyed by 
other Batteries, of a Division organisation. As the only officer, therefore, to 
whom my subalterns could look, I made, as you will remember, an effort two 
years ago (at Jalapa) to call attention to their claims for Brevet: may I again 
solicit your services & kind consideration of their merits. 

At least I will indulge the hope that the appeal of Capt. Browne will rece:ve 
your approbation. & successful interposition. 

To me this is a matter of deep concern. Although conscious that it arises 
from no neglect on my part, that fact that almost every officer in other Bat- 
teries received two Brevets, while mine received but one, at most, fills me with 
mortification and regret 

I have the honor to be 

General, with high respect, 
your obt St. 

E. J. Steptoe 
CV//</. Bt. Li. Vol. 3d Ally 
Maj. Genl. 
R. Jones 

Adjt.Genl.U.S.A. 

Wa.'iJiington 

[steptoe TO THE SKf'RETAHV OV WAK.^] 

Fort Meade Florida 

June 28 1850 
To the Honble 

The Secretary of War — 
Sib, 

I have the honor to inclose a communication from Bvt. Capt : H. Browne, 
Adjutant of 3d. Regt. Artillery; and upon it to submit, respectfully, the fol- 
lowing remarks : — 

Captain Browne was the only Lieutenant on duty with my Section of Artil- 
lery at the Cerro Gordo, and to present his services on that occasion to the 
notice of the AVar Department in the wny that they deserved, has been a con 
stant hope with me ever since the close of the war; but my humble military 
rank & little influence, seemed to give me small prospect of success. 

^ly Section belonged to Genl. Patterson's Deivision previous to the battle of 
Cerro Gordo; was attached to Genl. Twiggs' Division during the battle; and 
joined Genl. Worth's the moment it xvas over. In other words, it really be- 
longed to no Division, and had not, of course, the sympathy & official support of 
any General officer; — for it is well known how rife was the spirit of emulation 
& excliisiveness, amongst the several Divisions. Genl. Twiggs not deeming, as 
he said, my Section to be part of his command, merely adverted to it — hici- 
dentally. as it were. 

Respecting the conduct of Capt: Browne in the battle; — I hazzard nothing in 
saying that no finer conduct was witnessed on that occasion; — of all those en- 
gaged, not one displayed, in his sphei'e. qualities highei*, or more deserving of 
notice. Now will those who know this officer well, fail to appreciate this 
tribute to his merits 

' .\. <;. O.. S .S41 of 3850, encloserl in C 63 of 1850. 



CORRESPOXDEXCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 119 

My guns were got uix»u the hill acllaoeut to the Cerro Gordo ou the night 
of 17 April, with infinite difficulty, and Captain Browne labored at them almost 
unceasingly through the night — long after sickness & exhaustion had quite 
prostrated me. Finding that they would be exceedingly exposed— (no Parapet 
having been prepared for them as for the Iron 2-i Pdr.) to give confidence to 
the men he threw up a hasty screen, using in part the Mexican dead of the 
previous day: And here, with the utmost enthusiasm of a true soldier, he dis- 
charged his duty throughout the action — no one, whether in the storm hig party 
or at the Guns, more exposed, or more active. 

Capt. Browne seems to have made this appeal with great reluctance. Noth- 
ing but a stern consciousness of his own merits, and a keen sense of the neglect 
he has experienced, could have overcome his diffidence. I am glad that has 
made it: — is it asking too much that my endorsement, and testimonial *e-i* 
should, under the circumstances, have the force due to higher grades? I was not 
in command, tis true, but then, as has been stated, my Section was to all intents, 
perfectly isolated; and there was, and is, no higher officer to interest himself 
for it. 

I have the honor to be. Sir, 
With great respect 
Your obt St. 

E. J. Steptoe 
Capt. Bt. Lt. Col. 3d Arty 

[CALHOUN TO BROWN.'] 

No. 33. 

Indian Agency 
Santa Fe, New Mexico. 

J any. 28th. 1850. 
Sir, 

For this and the precedmg day, I have been incessantly annoyed 
by complaining representations, made to me, by deputations from 
the Pueblos of Santa Anna, San Juan, Tesuque, and Pojaoque. The 
two 

first are complaing of encroachments upon their lands, by Mex- 

Court 
icans — The first has been brought into the Circuit of this 

territory, to defend their claims to lands, which they say, they have 
always possessed, and which was formally and legally granted to 
them. 

One of the Indians of Tesuque, was sued in the Alcaldes Court of 
this place, by a man, who says he left a mule, in March last, with 
the Indian alluded to; that he did not apply for the mule before 

not 
last August, and as he did get a mule, he sued the Indian in De- 
cember last, obtained judgement, execution issued, and on the same 
day, returned ^''Satisfied.'''' And yet, on the 6th of this month, the 
plaintiff goes to said Pueblo, about eight miles from this place, with 

1 0. I. a., Santa F6 Agenc.v, C 420. 



120 COREESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUX. 

another individual, with this " Satisfied " Execution, and not being 
able to find the late defendant, he seizes one of his mules, and has 
him now in his possession, as his own property. I have notified him, 
the present possessor of the mule, that if he did not restore him, I 

send 
would his conduct before a Grand Jury. And this I may do ; 

but what will it avail? For, with the ignorant Indians of this terri- 

Judges, 
tory, (neither of the three ever studied the law for a moment, 

I presume, until they were appointed Judges by Genl. Kearney, in 
1846,) justice is just blind enough to favor the strong at the expense 
of the weak; and consequently, I may fail in my attempts to protect 
the Indians, and with them, must necessarily lose caste, and their 
confidence in the justice and pov;er of the Government of the United 
States is, in the same proportion, diminished — 

A palpable case of stealing two cows from the Pojaoque Indians 
occurred while I was at Abiquin — the colored man, Avho drove them 
off, was brought before an Alcalde in this City, charged with the 
theft, and acquitted. The Indians then sued the negro for the value 
of the cows, and on my return, I attended the trial — Judgement was 
obtained against the negro, and although the Alcalde was requested, 
by the Attorney I employed for the Indians, to issue Execution forth- 
with, require the Security which the law directs, or hold the person 
of the defendant, yet neither was done, but the cost was collected, and 
the negro has left for the United States, and the Indians are 
remidiless — 

These cases shall be officially laid before Governor Munroe so soon 
as the lawyer shall be able to give me the facts — and I shall ask for 
the removal of the Alcalde, and that the Courts shall not entertaiii 
Civil Suits against Pueblo Indians, until the will and pleasure of 

States 
the Government of the United shall be made known, and that 

those now pending, shall, also, lie over for the present. What the 
Governor may do in the premises, is extremely doubtful — Had I the 
power to arrest these dangerous wrongs, it should be done without 
another moment's delay. 

Depend upon it, if ever a strong arm, and a mind of firmness and 

decision were required at any time, or at any place, they are needed 

here. 

I am. 

Sir, 

Your obt Servt. 

„ -r, -r^ J. S. Calhoun 

Orlando Brown Esq 

Comr. Ind. Affs. 

Washington City 

D. C. 



COEEESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 121 

[CHOICE TO CALHOUN/] 

— Copy — Santa Fe New Mexico 

Jany. 29th 1850 
Sir 

After an absence of fifty two days, I returned from Socorro on 
yesterday, and regret to report that Col. May^ and myself failed to 
make a treaty with the Apaches as we were authorized by Govr. 
Munroe's appointment and instructions of the 9th day of december 
last. 

In my communication of the 24th of last month, you were advised 
of the extension of time, given by the Commissioners, to enable the 
Apache Chiefs to assemble and come in. At the appointed time. 
twelve Indian squaws^ well mounted, and armed with Bows and Ar- 
rows, came in and reported that the Principal Chief was then in 
council with the subordinate Chiefs of the tribe, and that the Apaches 
and Navajoes had a fight a few days previous to the assembling of 
the Chiefs, in which the latter had been victorious; and that these 
facts might detain the Apache Chiefs for a few days longer, as a 
portion had gone in search of the Navajoes, to give them another 
battle. 

These Squaws were immediately dismissed by Col May, and I re- 
gret that I could not concur in the propriety of the dismissal, as pos- 
sibly, we might have gleaned some important information. We de- 
termined to wait still longer for the Chiefs, but up to the 23d of this 
month, not a word more had been heard from them, and I deemed it 
proper to return to this place. 

It may be proper to remark, that the Chiefs who so unexpectedly 
escaped, as mentioned in my letter of the 24th ult, left three mules 
and three horses with a few Bows and Arrows, and a number of 
packs, containing robes, skins meat, corn, and other articles of no 
great value. 



I am. 



Sir 

With great respect 

Your Obt Servt 



Cyrus Choice 

CoTn 



Col. J. S. Calhoun 

Ind. Agt. 
Santa Fe 

New Mexico 



1 O. I. a., Santa ¥& Agency, C 429. 

- Chiirles Augustus May, another of the Buena Vista heroes. 



122 COERESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

[CALHOUN TO MUNROE ^] 

—Copy—" B " Indian Agency 

Santa Fe New Mexico 

J any 29th 1850 
Sir 

I submit, for your consideration, the accompanying instructions to 
Genl Cyrus Choice, in discharging duties at Abiquin, as an Indian 
Agent. 

In consequence of the want of appropriations, if not inconsistent 
with your views of propriety, I should be gratified to receive your 
authority to the acting Quarter Master and Commissary at Abiquin, 
to furnish upon the requisition of Genl Choice, forage for one horse^ 
and such rations as he may require, to be accounted for and settled 
by this Indian Agency, so that it may not be an improper charge 
against the War Department. 
With great respect, 

I am your Obt Servt 

James S. Calhoun 

Ind Agent 
Govr MuNROE 

Col Comdg 
9th Mil Dept 

Santa Fe Nev) Mexico 

[Inclosure] 

— Copy — Indian Agency 

Santa Fe, New Mexico 

J any 29th 1850 

General Cyrus Choice is hereby authorized and requested, to dis- 
charge the duties of Indian Agent for the Utah tribe of Indians, to 
reside at, or near Abiquin. 

A copy of the laws of the United States regulating the trade and 
intercourse with the Indian tribes within the limits of the said 
States, herein enclosed, will be his general guide in the discharge of 
his duties. 

He will, without delay, enquire into the character and result of the 
murders committed, near Abiquin, on or about the 3d of the present 
month, and the cause, or causes that led to the aforesaid murderous 
collision between Mexicans and Utah Indians. Precise and accurate 
information upon this subject, is desired, and which shall include the 
names of all engaged, directly or indirectly, in that outbreak, dis- 
tinguishing the killed and wounded, and exhibiting a statement of 

1 O. I. A., Santa F6 Agency, C 429. 



COKKESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 123 

the i^roperty carried off, or destroyed, and to whom said property 
belonged. 

It is important to ascertain the purpose of these Indians, and their 
disposition and feelings towards the United States, and especially 
towards all the people residing in the territory, acquired from 
Mexico by the treaty of 1848. 

As correct an estimate as can be obtained of the aggregate num- 
ber of the tribe is desired, distinguishing the Pah Utahs from the 
others. 

As there is no advice in reference to an appropriation for the com- 
pensation of an Agent, and other expenses incidental to an Agency, 
for the Utah Indians, those questions can alone be determined by 
Congressional legislation, and to the proper department they will be 
immediately refered. 

J. S. Calhoun 

Ind Agt 
Approved 

John Munroe 

Col c& Mil Governor 

[MUNROE TO CALHOUN.'] 

(Copy) Santa Fe 29th J any 1850 

Sir 

Your appointment of, and instructions to Genl Choice as Agent 

to the Utah, is herewith returned, meeting my unqualified approval. 

The other part, with my understanding of its meaning, will be 

acted on affirmatively. I refer to the expression " and such rations ^ 

as he may require." 

Your very Obt. Servt ^ 

J. Munroe 

Bt Col. &c 
Col Calhoun 

Ind Agt 

[Related Correspondence.] 

[TYLER TO McLAWS.sj 

Albiquin 
Fe:by. 2na. 1850 
Sib: 

Having left Santa Fe without written instructions as to tbe relations exist- 
ing between the Indian Agencj- and Quarter Mjister's Dept., I would respect- 
fully request that the same be forwarded at your earliest convenience — 



1 O. I. A., Santa F6 Agency, C 429. 

- As slightly bearing upon 1 iiis subject, note letter from Tyler to McLaws. 

3 A. G. O., Pile-box, 1850, Department of New Mexico, T 2. 



124 COEEESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

Qrs 
I should like information, as to whether Fuel, Forage and Rations are to 

be furnished to the Agents of the Indian Department on requisition, as indi- 
viduals of some conventional grade, or whether, I furnish them to any amount 
they may thiulv proper to draw, on their receipts. 

I aslc for ' ivritten instructions ' that all difficulties may be obviated and that 
the Indian Dept. may be taught their relative position to other public depart- 
ments — 

I have the honor to be 

A^ery respy. yr. obt. St. 

Wm H. Tyler 

Lt. 7 Iny 
A. A. Q. M. (f- A. A. C. 8 
Lt. L. McLaws 

7th Iny 

A. A. A. Gl. 

[CALHOUN TO BBOWN.^] 

Xo. 34 

Indian Agency. 
Santa Fe, New Mexico. 

Jany. 31st. 1850. 
Sir, 

The enclosed papers.- with my letter and its enclosure of the 3d. 
No. 29. 
inst. will make known to you, the origin, and the result of an 

effort to treat with the Apaches — General Choice's report to me, — 
a copy of which is enclosed, will show, that Colonel May and him- 
self, differed as to the propriety of sending off the Female Envoys — 
and I agree with Genl. Choice, it would have been most discreet to 
have retained them. 

B^^ If we have reached the worst, it is not because the Indians have 
not been most successful in their depredations. The lambing season 
is at hand, and I shall be greatly surprised, if the Indians do not 
drive off a sufficient number of sheep to subsist a Regiment of Troops 
for twelve months within the ensuing two months — and for these 
losses indemnification will be demanded of the United States. 

It may be proper to say, that t^ during the lambing season of the 
year, sheep are driven to the Woodlands, that they may be protected 
against inclement weather, and where the Shepherds can take care of 
the lambs; and where too, Apaches and others frequent, and very 
often succeed in driving off vast herds — 

Genl. Choice is aware that there is no appropriation to pay for such 
services as he has attempted to render; but I gave him my promise to 

1 O. I. A., Santa F6 Agency, C 429. 

2 Enclosure " B," a letter from Calhoun to Munroe, January 29, 1850, has been placed. 
In its chronological sequence, in the body of the text, as have also Munroe's letter in reply 
and Choice's report to Calhoun, both of the same date. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 125 

submit the question to your consideration — The General has Labored 
faithfully and zealously, and should be compensated. 

In view of the fact that many of my despatches may have been 
lost, I venture to say, again, the interests of our common country, 
so far as affairs in this territory can affect, will be best promoted by 
calling- me to Washington, with a few of the Pueblo and other 
Indians, unless the Government shall give me military employment, 
in subjugating, and locating, in proper districts, the Apaches, 
Comanches, Najoes, and Utahs — I desire this service. 
All of which, is respectfully submitted by 

Your very obt. Servt J. S. Calhoun 

Ind. Agt 
Orlando Brown Esqr. 

Comr. of Ind. Affs. 

Washington City. 

D. 0. 

[CALHOUN TO BEOWN.^J 

No. 35. 

Indian Agency 
Santa Fe, New Mexico 

Jany. 31st. 1850. 
Sir. 

On the 1st day of the present month, I enclosed to you a Treaty 
made with the Utah tribe of Indians, at Abiquin, Deer. 30. 1849. 
Fearing that the two originals may have been lost on the road to 
the United States, I send, accompanying this note, a correct copy of 
said treaty. 

My letter of the 17th of this month, No. 30, informed you that 
a Utah Indian had been killed, and subsequently, seven Mexicans, 
near Abiquin, 

and several herds of Stock were 'driven, off. From 
the various conflicting statements afloat, I have come to the con- 
chision, the Indians were less to blame, (if blamable at all,) than the 
Mexicans. It is an ascertained fact, the Utah was first killed by 
the Mexicans, which doubtless lead to the murder of the Mexicans 
who were supposed to be concerned in the murder of the Utah : and, 
it is said, no other stock was driven off but such as was in the posses- 
sion of the Mexicans who were adjudged, by the TTtahs. to be offend- 
er rs against their peace. 

Abiquin has long been the Head Quarters of a very mischeivous 
band of traders with the Navajoes and Utahs; and any thing like 
order and quiet, will have an injurious effect upon their viscious 



O. I. a., Santa F€ Agency, C 249. 



126 COKEESPOXDEKCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

practices with these Indians, and that they caused the outbreak nun- 

doubt. 
tioned, I entertain not the slightest My regret at the occur- 

rence would have been materially diminished, if the most guilty had 
been the victims of the Indians revenge. 

Frequent messages, similar in character to the enclosed copy, 
Marked A, have been sent to me. For this copy, I am indebted to 
Governor Munroe — 

Governor ^Slunroe having deemed it advisable to establish a mili- 
tary post at Abiquin, and having no officers of mature experience to 
send to that post, and as we both agreed that it was of the utmost 
consequence to ascertain, correctly and precisely, the dispositions and 
feelings of the Utahs towards the People and Government of the 
U. S. General Cyrus Choice was proposed in the terms, and with the 
instructions, and approved by the Governor, as will be seen in accom- 
panying document, marked B, to which I invite your attention, to 
the end that Genl. Choice may be duly provided for. should the 
course which has been pursued, in this matter, meet the approbation 
of the Department, and the Executive, which they would not fail to 
do, could they see, for themselves, the true condition of our Indian 
affairs in this territory — 

An express came to Governor Munroe, to-day, that a large number 
of Apaches, some Utahs, and, perhaps, other Indians, were assem- 
bling in the mountains near Rayado, some fifty miles North east of 
Taos, and it was supposed they were meditating some bold and daring 
movement, or concerting schemes for Spring outrages — 
I am. 

Sir. 

With great respect, 

Your obt Servt 

J. S. Calhoun 

Ind. Agt 
Orlando Brown Esqr. 

Comr. of Ind Affs. 

Washington City 

D. C. 

[Inclosures.] 
A 

[\ ALDKZ to the prefect of TAOS.] 

(Translation.) 
To THE Prefect of the 

County of Taos 
I Avould inform your Excellency that Miguel Gallego the Euta 
has arrived at this place with four Eutas two Men and two Women, 



OOREESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 127 

and he authorizes me to say that he has been sent by the Chief au- 
thorities to make a treaty of peace, as the Utas did a short time ago. 
He has had communication with all the Utas and all the Captains 
and people wish peace legal and forever. That what occurred in 
A-biquin they knew nothing about, that their people were in El 
Panchi ; and the white mountain at that time, and if people want to 
trade with them, they can do so with perfect security. He is not 
able to return there because his animals are very poor and there is a 
great deal of snow and he will await here the determination of your 
Excellency to inform his people San Antonio del Rio Colorado 
26th Jany 1850 

Mariano Yaldez 

Alcalde 
B 

TREATY ^ BETAVEEN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND THE UTAH 

INDIANS. 

The following articles have been duly considered and, solemnly 
adopted by the undersigned — that is to say, James S. Calhoun, Indian 
Agent, residing at Santa Fe, Acting as commissioner on the part of 
the United States of America and Quixiachigiate, Nanito, Nincocu- 
nachi, Abaguanixe, Ramahi, Subleta, Rupallachi, Saguasoxego, 
Paguisachij Cobaxanor, Amuche, Puigniachi, Panachi, Sichuga, 
Uvicaxinape, Cuchuticay, Nachitope, Pueguate, Guanojuas, Pacachi, 
Saguanchi, Acaguate, Nochi, Puibu-quiacte, Quixachetuate, Saxiabe, 
Pichiute, Nochichigue, Uvive, Principal and Subordinate chiefs, rep- 
resenting the Utah tribe of Indians. 



The Utah tribe of Indians do hereby acknowledge and declare, 
they are lawfully, and exclusively, under the jurisdiction of the Gov- 
ernment of said States; and to its power and authority, they now 
unconditionally submit. 

2 

From and after the signing of this treat}', hostilities between the 
contracting parties shall cease, and perpetual peace and amity shall 
exist, the said tribe hereby binding themselves most solemnly, never 
to associate with, or give countenance or aid to any tribe or band of 
Indians, or other persons or powers, who may be at any time, at 

iThe Utah Treaty was ratified September 9, 1850. The text of it is printed in 

Kappler, 11, pp. 585-586. For a second manuscript copy see O. I. A., File Box, " Treaties, 
Copies." 



128 COERESPOXDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

enmity with the people or government of said States: and that they 
will in all future time, treat honestly and humanely, e v ^py every 
citizen of the United States, and all persons and powers at peace with 
the said States, and all cases of aggression against said Utahs. 
shall be referred to the aforesaid Government for adjustment and 
settlement. 

3 

All American and Mexican Captives, and others taken from per- 
sons or powers at peace with the said States, shall be restored and 
delivered, by said Utahs to an authorized officer or agent of said 
States, at Abiquin, on or before the first day of March, in the 
year of Our Lord One Thousand Eight hundred and fifty. And in 
like manner, all stolen property, of every description, shall be re- 
stored, by or before the aforesaid first day of March — 1850. In 
the event such stolen property shall have been consumed or de- 
stroyed, the said Utah Indians do agree, and are hereby bound to 
make such restitution and under such circumstances, as the Govern- 
ment of the United States may order and prescribe. But this article 
is not to be so construed, or understood, as to create a claim against 
said States, for any losses or depredations committed by said Utahs. 



The contracting parties agree that the laws now in force, and 
such others as may be passed, regulating the Trade and Intercourse, 
and for the preservation of peace with the various tribes of Indians, 
under the protection and guardianship of the Government of the 
United States, shall be as binding and obligatory upon the said 
Utahs as if said laws had been enacted for their sole benefit and 
protection. And that said laws may be duly executed, and for all 
other useful purposes, the territorj^ occupied by the Utahs is hereby 
annexed, to New Mexico, as now organized, or as it may be organized, 
or until the Government of the United States shall otherwise order. 



The people of the United States, and all others in amity with the 
United States, shall have free passage through the territory of said 
Utahs, under such rules and regulations as may be adopted by 
authoritv of said States. 



In order to preserve tranquility, and to afford protection to all 
the people and interests of the contracting parties, the Government 



COEEESPONDElSrCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN". 129 

of the United States will establish such military posts and agencies, 
and authorize such trading houses, at such time and in such places, 
as the said Government may desismate. 



Eelying, confidently, upon the justice and liberality of the United 
States and anxious to remove every possible cause that might disturb 
their peace and quiet, it is agreed by the Utahs that the aforesaid 
Government, shall, at its earliest convenience, designate, settle, and 
adjust their territorial boundaries, and pass, and execute such laws 
in their territory as the Government of said States may deem con- 
ducive to the happiness and prosperity of said Indians. 

And the said Utahs, further, bind themselves not to depart from 
their accustomed homes or localities unless specially permitted by 
an agent of the aforesaid Government and so soon as their boundaries 
are distinctly defined, the said Utahs are further bound to confine 
themselves to said limits under such rules as the said Government 
may prescribe, and to build up Pueblos, or to settle in such other 
manner as will enable them most successfully to cultivate the soil, 
and pursue such other industrial pursuits as will best promote their 
happiness and prosperity; and they now deliberately and consider- 
ately pledge their existence as a distinct tribe, to abstain, for all 
time to come, from all depredations, to cease the roving and ram- 
bling habits which have hitherto marked them as a people; to con- 
fine themselves, strictly, to the limits which may be assigned them, 
and to support themselves by their own industry, aided and di- 
rected as it may be, by the wisdom, justice, and humanity of the 
American People. 

8 

For and in consideration of the faithful performance of all the 
stipulations contained in this treaty, by the said Utahs, the Govern- 
ment of the United States will grant to said Indians, such donations, 
presents and implements, and adopt such other liberal and humane 
measures as said Government may deem meet and proper. 



This treaty shall be binding upon the contracting parties from and 
after the signing of the same, subject, in the first place, to the ap- 
proval of the Civil and Military Governor of New Mexico, and to 
such other modifications, amendments and orders, as may be adopted 
by the Government of the United States. 
5021—15 ^9 



130 COBBESPONDENCE OP JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

J^^l!^ "''""'! "'' ""'^'^■^ignod have signed this treaty, and 
affixed hereunto their seals at Abiquin, in New Mexico, tM^ the 

ItZt' TV' ?T'"'"=^' '"" *^ ^'^^ °' "^ Lord One Thous^d 
Eight hundred and forty nine. ii"ubdiia 

(Signed) James S. Calhoun 

Ind. Agent. 

QmxiAOHiGiATE x^ P^n^ip'^ 
mark ^*^/ 
his 
Nanito X 
mark 

his 

NiNCOCUNACHI, X 

mark 
his 
Abaganixe X 
mark 
his 
Ramahi X 
mark 
his 

SUBLETA X 

mark 
his 

RUPALLACHI X 

mark 
his 
Saguasoxego X 
mark 
his 
Paguisachi X 
mark 
his 

COBAXANOR X 

mark 
his 
Amuche X 
mark 
his 

PUIGNIACHI X 

mark 



COREESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 



131 

his 



Panachi X 

mark 
his 

SiCHUGA X 

mark 
his 

UviCAXINAPE X 

mark 
his 

CuCHUnCAY X 

mark 
his 
Nachitope X 
mark 
his 

PUEGUATE X 

mark 
his 

GUANOJUAS X 

mark 
his 
Pacachi X 
mark 
his 
Saguanchi X 
mark 
his 
Acaguate X 
mark 
his 

NOCHI X 

mark 

his 

PUIBUQUIACTE X 

mark 



QUIXACHE-TUATE X 

mark 
his 
Saxiabe X 
mark 
his 

PlCHIUTE X 

mark 



his 'g 



132 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES 3. CALHOUN. 

his 

NOCHICHIGUE X 

mark 
his 

UVIVE X 

mark 
Witnesses 

An'^° Jesus Salosa 
Fran^^ Tomas Baco 

his 
Vicente x Vilarde Interpreter 

mark 
Antoine Peroiox Interpreter 
James Conklin Interpreter 
J. H. Whittlesey 

1st Lieut. 1st Dragoons 
Edw° M Kern 
Geo W. Martin 
Wm H. Mitchell 

Approved 

John Munroe 

Bt Col. U. S. Army 

Civil (& Mily Governor. 

[CALHOUN TO BBOWN.'] 

No. 36 

Indian Agency 
Santa Fe, New Mexico. 

Felry M. 1850 
Sm, 

As it is my duty to keep you promptly and thoroughly advised on 
the subject of our Indian relations in this territory, I deem it neces- 
sary to say, on yesterday I received a letter from the Pueblo of Taos, 

affixed 
to which was the marks of Sixty nine Indians. The letter, 

although in Spanish, was evidently written by a designing American. 
At an election of Delegates to a Convention, in September last, in 
order to secure a result adverse to a State Organization, many of 
the Indians of the Pueblo of Toas, were brought to the polls and 
induced to vote, and, thereby, the factious purpose of thwarting the 



O. I. A., Santa F€ Agency, C 429. 



COERESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUls'. 133 

supposed policy of the Administration/ in regard to New Mexico, 
was secured; so far as the election of delegates from the county of 
Taos, could accomplish the reckless design. On my visit to the 
Pueblo, of which I have heretofore advised you, I found the In- 
dians moody and complaining, and, evidently in a feverish State of 
excitement. They complained of aggressions, encroachments upon 
their lands, and unjust and unusual interferences with their laws and 
customs, and the general administration of justice. Many of them 

were selected 
complained bitterly, that Alcaldes for them by Ameri- 

can authority, instead of their old and approved custom of annually 
electing said officer, and others, in their own Pueblo, and by their 
own people. They desired to know if these evils could not be reme- 
died. These representations were first made to me, in San Fernando 
de Taos. During the same day, I took occasion to consult Col. Beall 
and other officers at that Post; and, also, Judge Beaubien of the 
Supreme Court, and the Curate, not only of that place, but of the 
Indian Pueblo of Taos, between two and three miles from the former. 
The two latter gentlemen have a controlling influence over the In- 
dians, and the Curate was one of the delegates elected in last Septem- 

Beaubien 
ber by the votes of these Indians, and Judge had acted in 

concert with the successful clique. After obtaining all the informa- 
tion I could, I frankly stated, to the before named gentlemen, my 
views as to the proper course to be pursued to preserve the quiet and 
contentment of the Indians, until the Government of the United 
States should determine its policy in reference to them. I did not 
expect the hearty approval and cooperation of the Judge and the 

1 W. W. H. Davis, in " El Gringo," pp. 111-112, says, " In the spring of 1849, James S. 
Calhoun, Esq., went to New Mexico, under an appointment as Indian agent, but upon hia 
arrival he declared that he had secret instructions from the government at Washington 
to induce the people to form a state government. 

" For a time the plan of a state government received but little support, but In the 
course of the summer and fall an excitement was raised upon the subject, and both 
parties, state and territorial, published addresses to the people ; the former being headed 
by Messrs. Calhoun, Alvarez, and Pillans, and the latter by St. Vrain, Houghton, Beau- 
bien, and others. The matter continued to be discussed without much effect In favor of 
the state organization until the spring of 1850, when Colonel George A. McCall arrived 
In Santa F6 from the States, upon a like mission as Calhoun. He informed the people 
that no territorial government would be granted by Congress, and that President Taylor 
was determined that New Mexico should be erected into a state government, in order to 
settle the question of slavery, and also that of boundary with Texas. The delegate In 
Congress, Mr. Smith, wrote home to the same effect ; and things appeared very much as 
though the general government had left the people of the Territory to shift Tor them- 
selves." 

When Richard H. Weightman presented himself as United States Senator from New 
Mexico, his credentials were discredited, inasmuch as New Mexico had not been authorized 
to effect a State organization. In the course of the debate on the subject, the charge 
was made that the Administration was really responsible for the Statehood agitation. 
A similar charge had been made against President Taylor with respect to California, It 
being affirmed that Thos. Butler King of Georgia had been sent to the Coast as Executive 
agent. The charge was not sustained. [Cong. Globe, 31st Cong., 1st sess.. p. 1933.] 



134 CORBESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

Priest which they manifested on that occasion. The Indians were 
notified that I would talk to them on the succeeding day, and the 
gentlemen already mentioned, with others, were invited to accom- 
pany me, and the invitation was accepted. 

At the appointed time, we repaired to the Pueblo, and I explained 
to the Indians the character of the laws of the U. S. regulating trade 
and intercourse with Indians, and made them understand how such 
laws might affect them. I also, told them, if they prefered to be a 
part of all the people of New Mexico, they might have the right of 
voting for Governors, Member of Congress, and all of the officers 
of a State, or territory; and that if they adhered to their present 
state of existence, and the Government of the United States should 
secure them in a separate and distinct community, they could only 
vote for the officers of their own Pueblo, and closed by adding, em- 
phatically, that if they should determine to ask the President of the 
United States to secure them in an independent government^ and to 
extend 

to them the benefits of the laws regulating trade and inter- 
course with Indians under the protection of the Government, they 
ought not to allow themselves to be used by Americans or Mexicans 

at 
in voting fe? elections for officers out of their Pueblo — that in said 
elections they should take no part, but quietly attend to their own 
business. I then called upon Judge Beaubien and the Priest to 
make an expression of their opinions of the correctness of my talk. 
They done so in very satisfactory terms, without attempting to 
influence their decision, and closed with a full endorsement of my 
advice as to voting, unless they prefered to yield their identity as a 
distinct people. 

we 

The Indians went into Council, and returned, immediately, to 
San Fernando de Taos — Late in the afternoon, the Governor and 
principal men came in to announce their determination, which they 
preceded by enquiring, if the laws of the U. S. which I had explained 
to them, could not be extended over them at once. I replied in the 
negative, and explained to them that the Government of the United 
States only had that power. They then communicated their deter- 
mination, and urged me to beg their great Father to give them the 
protection of these laws as soon as possible — which I promised to do, 
and our conference closed at the Curate's house, and the Indians 
seemed perfectly delighted with their future prospects, and with 
strong and cordial demonstrations of affection for nie, as their father 
who had come to them, we embraced and parted. The letter which 
these Indians sent to me shows, that the impression has been at- 
tempted, to make them beleive, that if the laws of the U. S. were 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 135 

them, as 

extended over they would be so shut up, so not to be able to 

buy or sell, and that their condition would be worse than it is now. 
I have ascertained from whence their letter emanated, and have no 
hesitation in saying, it is not only intended to disaffect the Indians 

be 
towards me, but to keep such a control over them, as to able to use 
them in any coming election, and if possible, embarrass the admin- 
istration of General Taylor. These are the naked facts, and there- 
fore it was, I adopted the course in replying to them, which the 
accompanying copies of my letters, all enclosed to Col. Beall, will 
fully explain. I am satisfied Judge Beaubien is incapable of approv- 
ing such conduct, nor am I prepared to beleive the Priest has done 
so, for both of these gentlemen gave me positive assurances, in each 
others presence, that in future, they intended to act with General 
Taylor's real friends, and that at first, they did not understand the 
factious purposes designed. 

I sincerely regret that I have been compelled to make allusions to 
the conduct of violent partizans; but, without doing so, I could not 
have conveyed to you an adequate idea of the true condition of our 
Indian relations in New Mexico; nor could I have, otherwise, made 
it so apparent, that the question, as to the future government of the 
Pueblo Indians, should be settled at the earliest practicable day. 
I am, 

Sir, 

With great respect, 

Your obt. Servt. 

J. S. Calhoun 

Ind. Agt. 
Orlando Brown Esqr. 

Comr. of Ind. Affs. 

Washington City 

D.C, 

[CALHOUN TO BEALL, GRIER, WHITTLESEY'] 

(Copy) Indian Agency 

Santa Fe New Mexico 

Febry M 1850. 
My Dear Sirs, 

I send to you, accompanying this note, a reply to a letter addressed 
to me by sixty nine Indians of the Pueblo of Taos; and, I now beg of 
you, the personal favor to me, to ride out to the Pueblo, with Judge 

1 Inclosure of Calhoun's letter to Brown, February 2, 1850. 



13b COBRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

Beaubien, and the Priest, for whom, I, also, enclose a letter, and 
explain, carefully, and explicitly, the contents of my note to the 
Indians. 

It is evident to me, there are mischievous individuals who are im- 
properly interfering and meddling with the affairs of these Indians, 
we think we know oTie or more of them, and the immediate purposes 
contemplated, which, in bringing about the results they so much de- 
sire, they may inflict upon the community a tragic spectacle, the 
horrers of which, may not affect the minds of those viciously resolved. 
The Indians asked for a Spaneish reply, which I have not sent them, 
for I am of the opinion, that you can, with the aid of Judge Beaubien, 
and the Priest, give them a more satisfactory translation from the 
english I send, than any span»ish that could be sent to them. And, 
further, I am unwilling that designing men should have the inter- 
pretef ing, or the reading of my letter to the Indians. 
Will you allow me to hear from you at an early day ? 
Your generous kindness on a former occasion, has emboldened me to 
make this draft upon your time ; and by obliging me in this matter, I 
am confident you will advance the public good. 
I am. 

My dear Sirs 

Your very obt. Servt 

J. S. Calhoun 

Ind Agent. 
Col. Beall 
Maj Geier & 
Lt. Whittlesey 

&an Fernando de Taos^ 

New Mexico 

[CALHOUN TO THE INDIANS OF THE PUEBLO OF TAOS'] 

— Copy — Indl^n Agency 

Santa Fe New Mexico 

Fehry M 1850. 
My Deak Friends, 

I am grieved by the receipt of your letter of the 30th of January 
last, because it shows me there are some bad Mexicans, or worse 
Americans, who are trying to deceive you, in order to advance their 
own wicked purposes. 

My friends, wlien you want good advice, go to Col Beall, Maj 
Grier, Lt Whittlesey, or any of the American Officers. They will not 

* InclosuKe of Calhoun's letter to Brown, February 2, 1850. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 137 

deceive yoUj but explain to you the truth, in such a way, that you 
shall not be mistaken. 

Or, if you prefer it, go to my excellent friends, your wise and 
good Priest, and the just and upright Judge Beaubien; they heard 
my talk to you; and they explained it to you fully, and told you 
it was good, and you told me your understood it, that you did not 
wish to be New Mexicans, that you wished to live as a separate com- 
munity, and to make your own laws, and to execute them in your 
own way, and to select your own Officers, all in the same way that 
you, and your fathers, and fathers fathers have done, since the Great 
Spirit sent you into this country I promised you, that I would tell 
your great Father^ the President of the United States, by a letter 
which I would send to him, what you said to me. I have kept my 
promise, and my letter is now on the way to the United States; and 
in that letter, I have begged your great Father, to grant your re- 
quests, and make you, and your women, and children, happy and 
prosperous. 

My friends, your great Father loves you, and so long as you con- 
tinue to be good children, he will take care of you, and protect you 
against bad men, that is, if you so behave as to induce the Govern- 
ment of the United States, to extend over you, such good laws as 
shall keep bad men from you. If this is done your great Father will 
prescribe such rules and regulations, as will enable you to buy and 
sell as you may wish, and to the greatest advantage to you, and he 
will cause to be severely punished every improper medler with your 
peace, and quiet, and happiness, and prosperity. He will impose no 
unjust restrictions upon you, or your trade, or upon any one, and he 
will do you all the good that may be in his power, and you know 
he is a great man, with very great powers. 

It is not intended to disturb the laws as they now exist, all the 
rights and privileges which you are entitled under them, are to be 
continued to you, and measures will be taken to protect your pastur- 
age, your lands, and to protect you in your persons, and from unjust 
contributions, and when you are aggrieved, you will find friends who 
have the power to protect you in the persons of Col. Beall and Judge 
Beaubien. 

Now my friends, let me tell you, as I did when I was with you, if 
you prefer to be mixed up with the laws, and the people of New 
Mexico, and take your chance to become citizens like them, and to be 
governed, not by your own laws, but by such as the Americans and 
Mexicans here may make for you, I do not think your great Father 
will object to it, But it is my duty to tell you, I do not think that 
course would be the best for you. and my advice to you is, be quiet. 



138 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

attend to your own business pursuits, and dont listen to the talk of 
bad men, and in due time, your great Father, the President of all the 
Indians, and all the people, of the United States, will take care to 
order his agents here, so as to act as to secure, to you happiness and 
prosperity. 

God, the Great Spirit, bless you, my friends, and receive the honest 
assurance, that 
I am, 

Your friend James S Calhoun 

Ind. Agent 

[CALHOUN TO BEAUBIEN.'] 

Indl^n Agency, Santa Fe, 

New Mexico, Fehry. 2nd, 1850. 

My EXCELLENT FRIEND 

From a letter which the Indians of the Pueblo of Taos have sent 
to me, it is evident, some mischeivous and designing individuals have 
been improperly meddling with them, and disturbing their minds. I 
have sent them a plain talk in reply, and have requested Col Beall, 
Majr Grier, and Lt. Wliittlesey to go out to the Pueblo with you, 
and my worthy and good friend, the Priest, for the purpose of ex- 
plaining fairly and fully, my letter to them. 

Should you, and the Priest, oblige my by complying with my 
request, you will oblige the President of the United States, and serve 
the country most faithfully, as no one can satisfy the minds of the 
Indians, so effectually, as you and the Priest — 

I shall be happy to hear from you both in reply, and whatever you 
say, I shall transmit to the President of the United States, with a 
cojDy of this letter, which I send to you. 

I pray you, present me respectfully to your good wife, and to my 
friend the Priest, and accept for yourself assurances of my sincere 
regard. 



Your very obt. Servt. 



To 
His Honor, 

Judge BEAUBn:N 

San Fernando de Taos, 

New Mexico. 



James S. Calhoun 

Ind. Agt. 



Inclosure of Calhoun's letter to Brown, February 2, 1850. 



COREESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 139 

[CALHOUN TO BROWN.'] 

No. 37. 

Indian Agency 
Santa Fe, New Mexico 

Fehry. 3d. 1850. 
Sir, 

This, you will perceive, is my 37th letter to you, and I am not yet 
advised of the receipt of any one of them, and have reason to fear 
many of them are lost. This induces me to submit to you, a brief 
recapitulation of various suggestions I have ventured to address to 
you, so modified, as to conform to the conclusions which a more per- 
fect knowledge of our Indian affairs, in this territory, may have 
induced. 

1. The Pueblos, who pride themselves upon their Christianity, 
should each have a Sub Agent of the Government of the United 
States for the ensuing twelve months. 

2. That these Sub Agents should be under the immediate control 
of a General Superintendent; and that Ordnance and Ordnance 
Stores should be deposited with them, to be used under the direction 
of the Superintendent, 

3. There should be a line of communication opened from some 
point, to be selected after a careful examination, from the Arkansas 
River, not South of the place known as Bent's Fork, in the direction 
of Abiquin, touching at such military posts as may be established. 
From Abiquin to Jemez, and from thence to Zuni, Lagima, Acoma to 
Isletta, South of Socoro. Also, from Jemez to Lagima, by way of 
Cia, and Santa Ana — These lines of communication should be fre- 
quently passed over, in order to ascertain whether Apaches. Navajoes, 
Utahs, or any one of their various Bands, had passed in the direction 
of our Settlements — From Abiquin to Isletta, daily or weekly com- 
munication could be established at a very inconsiderable expense, by 
employing Indian Couriers, and the Ordnance and Ordnance Stores 
deposited with the Agents, would enable the Pueblo Indians to pro- 
tect themselves, and others, against the savage incursions of the Wild 

they would be able 
Indians, and to intercept, effectually, such In- 

dians as might cross the established line for the purpose of commit- 
ting depredations. In this way, north of Isletta, depredations would 
be checked, if not entirely stopped, and at a trifling expense — North 
of Abiquin, and South of Isletta, the military only could be em- 
ployed. 

» O. I. a.. Santa F4 Agency, C 429. 



140 COERESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

4. Implements of husbandry, with Blacksmiths, and common car- 
penters, should be sent among these Indians, and their industry should 
be properly guided and directed — This alone, during the first year, 
would save to the Government of the United States, in cheapening 
grain — Fodder and Hay, more than twice the amount that it would 
cost to keep up the lines from Abiquin to Isletta, to furnish thorn 
the Pueblo Indians 

with implements of husbandry, and to pay the 
Mechanics and Sub Agents — 

5. The foregoing, in part, contemplates the extension of the laws, 
regulating trade and intercourse with various tribes in the U. S. over 
these people, and I, earnestly, insist that should be done. These 
Indians, generally, are a good people, and may be rendered exceed- 
ingly useful. They ought to be amenable only, to their own laws, 
to the criminal laws of this territory for ojffences committed in it, and 
without the limits of their own Pueblo, and to the laws of the United 
States generally. 

6. A commission should be established at once, to adjust and mark 
their boundaries ; and where they have not land enough, more should 
be given to them — Arrangements should be made to settle all law 
suits between them and Mexicans about their lands. 

7. The idea of their removal and concentration, should not be 
suggested at this time. 

8. In consequence of the wrongs inflicted upon them by Alcaldes, 
Sheriffs, and Prefects, many of them, have already, expressed a de- 
sire to leave their homes, and seek quiet in some solitude — Such a 
movement would throw them among the Apaches, Navajoes, Utahs, 
and Comanches; and with the latter, they are on friendly and in- 
timate terms, and carry on with them a considerable trade. This 
matter ought to be corrected by a very gentle hand. 

7 & 8 
The two last paragraphs. will suggest to you matter of deep 

and dangerous import, and remedial measures should be adopted in 
time. 

9. On several occasions, I have suggested the propriety of inviting 
some of these Indians to Washington City, to which place, they are 
extremely anxious to send delegations, and if other duties, in locating 
the wild Indians, making treaties &c. are not assigned to me, I 
should like to take to the United States, such Indians, as the De- 
partment may be pleased to authorize. 

10. Since I came into the Country, the Indians have changed their 
opinions in reference to schools. Wicked Priests have suggested 
to them, such teachers as might be sent to them, would make their 
young men aspiring and presumptions, and ultimately disturb their 



I 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 141 

existing in 
religion; and under the feverish excitement throughout this terri- 

not 
tory, I have deemed it prudent to attempt to controvert, or 

modify their conclusions. 

The Apaches, Comanches, Navajoes, and Utahs. 

1. Two additional Regiments of Dragoons ought to be at, or near 
El Paso, before the close of April. From that point, after establish- 
ing Military posts at or near the Great Crossings at Arkansas, & at 
the " Point of Rocks," two columns, one east and Northeast, and 
north, the other west, north west and north, should move forward 
for the purpose of chastising our Indian enemies, and others, thor- 
oughly exploring the country, driving theives, robbers, & murderers 
from their dens, and hiding places; and selecting four districts of 

miles 
country, the districts not to be within one hundred of each 

other, defining and marking distinctly, the boundaries of each dis- 

limits, 
trict ; and into these, the Apaches, Comanches, Navajoes, and 

Utahs, with their straggling Bands, known by other names, should 
be forced to enter and remain, under penalties that would secure 
submission, and ultimate contentment and happiness. For a time, 
the U. S. Government would have to support the Indians who have 
not been engaged in pastoral pursuits — The cost of this support 
would be absolute economy compared with the expenditures that 
must, otherwise, necessarily ensue. So far as the Navajoes are con- 
cerned, not one dollar would be necessary to subsist them. 

Military Posts should be established, and a most vigilant and 

of each 
piercing eye should have command of these posts — 

When I speak of columns, I do not mean they should be held in 
one body, but should be so dispersed, having a common centre, as to 
scour the whole country over which these wild Indians roam — 

Such a campaign as this, will secure protection to this country, 
happiness and prosperity to Indians, and all, and with an economy 
that can not be observed in any other way. 

If the movements I have here suggested, could commence, by the 
1st of May, ensuing, I venture what little reputation I claim to 
possess, that before the severe winter could catch us, the most per- 
fect order would be established throughout this whole territory, and 
it can not be done otherwise — 

Two suggestions more, and I have done — 

1st. There is an inefficiency here, that is not known, I think, at 
Washington — There is a want of the material, and the personnel of 
war. 



142 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

2. Reports of " all's well," and that our difficulties are being over- 
come — and that there ought to be no changes in affairs here — that 
the people are happy, and contented and prosperous — and that our 

and temper, 
Pueblo Indians are in the best possible condition may 

reach you^such reports can emenate only, from luxurious ease — 
stupid ignorance, or combinations whose interests it is, to perpetu- 
ate the present state of things, which Mr St Vrain and others, long 
residents of this Country, pronounce to be worse than any they have 
ever witnessed before — and I assure you they are infinitely worse 
than you can imagine — It requires seeing and feeling, as I have 
witnessed, to come to just conclusions — 
I am, 

Sir, 

Your Very obt, Servt. 

J. S. Calhoun 

laid. Agt 
Orlando Brown Esqr. 

Oomr. of Ind. Affs. 

Washington City 

D. G. 

[CHOICE TO CALHOUN.*] 

(Copy) Indlan Agency 

Albiquin New Mexico 

Feby 6. 1850. 
Col James S. Calhoun 
Sir 

I arrived here on Friday evening last and upon examination of my 
papers, I find that I have not the letter that Governor Munroe wrote 
you in reply to yours authorizing the Qr Master at this post, to 
furnish me with provisions &c. You will please forward it to me 
by the first opportunity, so that I may satisfy him that I am acting 
in conformity with orders from proper authority. 

I suggest for your consideration the propriety of your sending a 
suitable person among the Utahs, and have them brought in. I have 
been informed by the Prefect of this place, that a number of them 
have been to Taos, since your departure to see Col. Beall, petitioning 
for peace. 

The name of the Indian that was killed, is Pagagaait. Assus 
Maria Garcia was cutting wood for coal when the Utah Indian came 
up to him, without any cause; took forcibly from him his hat and 
handkerchief and made off with them, he returned immediately, and 
Assus Maria Garcia, says he caught hold of his bridle, and demanded 

1 Accompanying Calhoun's letter, No. 39, O. I. A., Santa F6 Agency, C. 431. 



COEKESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 143 

of him his hat and handkerchief. The Indian drew his bow and 
was drawing an arrow, when he seized hold of the bow, and got pos- 
session of it, told the Indian that if he did not give up his hat and 
handkerchief, he would keep his bow. The Indian dismounted, 
drew his knife and made towards him, he ran in the direction of 
Antoina Gardoonia with the bow, and an axe, and saw that the In- 
dian was close behind him, he turned and gave him a blow with the 
axe, striking him on the temple, which caused almost instant death, 
he saw no other Indian, or Indians; came immediately to Albiquin 
and informed his master what had taken place. 

Antonia Gardoonia says, he was going where Assus Maria Garcia 
was, when he got in sight he hallooed to him, saw no Indian, had to 
cross a hollow, and when he saw him again Assus Maria Garcia was 
running towards him with an axe and a bow, that the Indian was 
close behind him with his knife drawn, crying out "Carrajo" 
[Cawajo?], he immediately turned and gave him a blow with the 
axe on the temple, he came directly up and saw him expiring. 

This took place on the 3d of January about 11 Oclock A. M. at 
AUumas Lavonarrianna, about ten miles from Albiquin. 

Thomas Jaconi says the Indian left his house on the morning of 
the 3d of January, and knows what the Indian had, that he found 
his horse in the Mountains, with all of his trappings, with the ex- 
ception of two small loaves of bread and a small bunch of powder 
tied up in a rag, that he saw the body of the deceased and that his 
bow and arrow were laying close to it. 

The names of those that were killed by the Utah Indians, are 
Jose Manuel Martim Jr., Jose Vacilia Martim Juan Manuel Solisar, 
Antonia Maria Archeletto, Jesus Maria Martim, Francisco Cossair, 
Jose Blass, and Antonia Solisar was taken prisoner. 

The following is a list of those who had their property taken off 
by the Utahs. 

Jos6 Antonia Mansanaris Prefect Eighteen sheep. 
Padro Salasar, Thirteen hundred and sixty sheep, 

" Eighty goats, one horse, one rifle, one brass 

" kettle, one copper Ijettle, two blanljets, one 

" buffaloe robe, one sack of flour. 

Juan Christo Martim Two hundred and twenty five sheep 

" one axe, one brass kettle, three blankets 

" one sack of flour. 

Dona Doloris Lopiz (a woman) Two hundred sheep one hundred 
goats one blanket one shot gun 
" one buro, 

Encumacion Valardar One ox 

Jos6 Miguel Solasar Three oxen 

Jos6 Larlusa Giago Three hundred sheep, ninty goats, 

" eighteen cows, one buro one sack of flour. 

" three empty sacks, one copper kettle, 

•• one saddle. 



144 COEKESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

Maria Barborn Giago (a woman) Two hundred sheep sixty goats one 

buro, one copper liettle 

Franlialuna Giago Sixteen cows. 

Jose Manuel Martini Nine cows, thirty goats 

Martino Arsons Martiuue Eighty goats, sixty sheep 

Julian Valdez Sixty sheep, one ox 

Francisco Martim Five oxen 

Josg Maguil Riville One shot gun, one ox, half sack of 

" flour, two blankets, two sheep 

" one brass kettle 

Jose Maria Truillo Two horses, one mule, one rifle 

" One ox, one rifle, one axe 

" One sack of flour 

Julianna Montoya (woman) Two oxen 

Solada Martim Two sheep 

Francisco Antonia Truxillo Twenty four goats 

Juan Santas Samora Eighteen goats 

Juan Andres Kintana Twenty six goats 

Vacinta Varlarda Five oxen 

Wanocila Valdez Ten oxen 

Juan Salisar Ten goats 

Guadiloup Quintanna One ox half sack of flour 

You will please suggest the propriety to Gov. Munroe, of furnish- 
ing this post with an Interpreter; Lieut. Tyler ^ has written to Capt. 
Reynolds in relation to it, one would answer the purpose of both. 
I have given you a statement of all the facts which I have been 
enabled to collect. 
I am Sir 

Your obt Svt 

Cyrus Choice 
Acfg. Asst. Ind. Agt. 
To 

Col. James S. Calhoun 

Ind. Agent 

Santa Fe N M 

[Related Correspondence.] 

[SUMNER TO CONRAD ^J 

Head Quabtebs, 9th Dept: 

Albuquerque, N. M. 
December 22nd 1852 
The Honble: C. M. Conbad 

Sec: of War. 

Washington, D. G. 
Sib: 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 8th of 
October last, in relation to Capt: Reynolds A. Q. M. I inclose a detailed re- 

^Very probably William Henry Tyler who was brevetted 1st lieutenant tor conspicu- 
ously gallant conduct in the battles of Contreras and Churubusco. 

3 A. G. C, vol. 8, pp. 414-415. 



CORKESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 145 

port from Major Sibley chief quartermaster, which I can fully confirm. I con- 
sider that Capt : Reynolds had ample time to have turned over all the property 
in his charge, before he went on the Navajo expedition 

On my arrival at Santa F6 on the 19th July '51 I found the officer engaged In 
a political struggle preparing to run for delegate to Congress. I knew that no 
man could do the duty of Quartermaster and be engaged in politics at the same 
time. I therefore determined to remove Capt : Reynolds from Santa F6, and 
to take him with me on the Navajo expedition, and thus to secure his undivided 
attention to his military duties. He was not however required to join me till 
about the 14th August, when the expedition moved from San Domingo, and he 
was back at Santa Fe, about the 1st of October, and did not leave that place 
for the States till the latter part of that month. I do not think that Capt: 
Reynolds is entitled to any consideration for losses of property in this terri- 
tory, on account of want of time to settle his affairs. 
I am. Sir, 

with high respect, 

E V Sum NEB 
Bvt: Col: U 8 A. Lt: Col: Int Draffn. Comdg: Dept: 

[CALHOUN TO BROWN.*] 

No. 38. 

Indian Agency 
Santa Fe N. M. Fehy 7, 1850 

SlE, 

Late last night I had the honor to receive your letter of Novr. the 
7: and have only time to acknowledge its receipt, by a gentleman, 
who leaves this morning with the intention of overtaking the party 
which left two days ago 
Very KespectfuUy, 
Your obt. Svt 

J. S. Calhoun 

Ind. Agt 
Orlando Brown Esqr 
Comr. of Ind Affairs 

Washington City 
D. C. 

[CALHOUN TO BROWN.'J 
Xo. 39. 

Indian Agency. 
Santa Fe, New Mexico, 

Fehi-i/ 7. 1850 
Sir, 

I have this moment received from Genl. Choice, the enclosed re- 
port ^ — and as a gentleman will leave in a few moments, intending to 



1 O. I. a., Santa F6 Agency, C 429. '■ See pp. 142-144. 

« Ibid, C 431. 
5021—15 10 



146 CORKESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

overtake the party for the States, who left three days ago, I seize the 
opportunity to send it to you — (copy) 

In reference to the treaty which I made with them on the 30th of 

Jany last, I think it ought to be ratified — for, if the accompanying 

report is true, in every particular — the tribe should be held to the 

terms of the treaty, for it would be folly to treat with them again. 

Very respectfully. 

J. S. Calhoun 

Ind. Agt. 
Orlando Brown Esqr. 
Comr. of Ind. Affs. 

Washingtcyri City 
D. C 

[THOMAS AND JUDD TO CALHOUN.*] 

Sante Fe New Mexico 

Felraary 10th 1850 
Colonel 

You have so kindly interested yourself in our behalf that we are 
induced to trouble you again. The enclosed copy of a letter from 
Lt. Col. Steptoe, (our Captain in Mexico) to General Quitman 
explains itself, and we send it as an additional proof of the fact that 
we are not alone in believing ourselves to have been left without 
chances when the grand drawing of the Brevet lottery took place. 

By enclosing this letter of Steptoe's to the Secretary of War, or 
making such other use of it you may deem fit, you will only add one 
other to the many favors with which you have already loaded your 
sincerely 

Grateful Fra". J. Thomas 



Col. Calhoun 

[Inclosure. ] 
[steptoe to QUITMAK, 



Henry B. Judd. 



PiLATKA FlA. 

October %5 18^9. 



My dear General : 

It is no light matter to thrust oneself rudely upon the notice of a 
man eminent like yourself; therefore much occupied; but when 
you understand that the motive to it involves no selfishness unless 

1 Accompanying letter of Calhoun to Crawford, February 13, 1850. 



COBEESPONDENOE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 147 

an earnest desire to rid myself of an obligation may be so regarded. 
I will explain briefly — 

You may possible be aware that in the raffle for Brevets, I won that 
of Lieu^ Col. which, of course, gratified me highly; but my pleasure 
would have been enhanced hi^fhly more than I can express to you, 
had my subalterns been suitably noticed at the same time — It is just 
this, Genl, which induces me to trouble you now ; your former valued 
& unvarying kindness, encouraging me to do so — 

You no doubt well remember. Lieutenants Judd, Browne & Thomas, 
who were with me in Mex° and I am certain you will agree with me, 
that three, more meritorious officers, could scarcely be found, and 
that they deserved some reward — for all their service rendered from 
the fall of Vera Cruz to the close of the campaign 

Lieutenants Judd and Browne were brevetted Captains for the 
affair near medellin, march 26th, but never afterwards; while Lieut 
Thomas (who joined me at Puebla) has not been brevetted at all — 

Now, the chief reason of this was: that my Battery fought twice 
out of its own Division and consequently had no general officer to 
interest himself for it. At the " cerro Gordo " it joined Genl Twiggs 
just before the Battle and left him immediately after, and doubtless 
he considered his entire duty discharged by simply adverting to it — 
On the 11th Sept it also left you (to our deep regret) before fight- 
ing — to rejoin you at the Garita — Genl Twiggs here again, not con- 
sidering it as a part of his Division, complimented it highly, but 
altogether informally and so for want of official support stronger 
than my humble name — these officers have not received their due 
consideration — 

But I believe an effort will be made this winter to have some omis- 
sions in the Brevet system considered and I hope, mostly through 
your generous assisfearftee influence, to have these attended to likewise. 
Many officers who never saw mexico, have been brevetted, and, surely, 
those who served there arduously and fought gallantly deserve equal 
attention — -Nearly, if not all, the officer(s) of the other Batteries 
have received two Brevets, except mine, which is a source of deep 
concern and mortification to me, more than to them perhaps — May I 
ask your kind and powerful interest in this matter — Believe me — it 
will not be soon forgotten by me or by those for whom it is solicited 
and I am confident you will have pleasure in doing what may seem 
to you advisable to attain the object, thus completing, my dear Gen- 
eral, the series of friendly acts which we love so well to remember 
when under your command. 

My Battery was serving undo with your Div" during a large por- 
tion of its career ; and although it never had the honor to fight under 



148 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

your orders, the general character of its officers is perhaps best known 
to you — 

I intend to request General Twiggs to add his o-fficial testimony 
to their conduct in Battle — 

Please direct an answer to me at Tampa Bay, Florida and with 
assurances General of my warm regard and faithful attachment, I 
remain yonr friend 

(Signed) E. G. Steptoe 

Genl John A. Quitman 

{near) Natchez 

Miss 
Correct : literatim et punctuatim. 
Newport — Deer. 3rd. 49 

H. B. 

[CALHOUN TO BROWN.'] 

No. 40. 

Indian Agency, 

Santa Fe, New Mex., 

Fehry, 12th 1850 
Sir, 

The receipt of the mail which I so hastily announced to you on the 
7th of this month, has, to a great extent, releived me from the exces- 
sive anxiety I felt, occasioned by the apprehension that my various 
communications, to you, had been lost, and consequently, you could 
not be advised of my statements of facts, as I see them^ and the con- 
clusions to which I have come in reference to the proper management 
of our Indian Affairs in this territory. Perfect unanimity, upon 
no subject, is to be anticipated. This territory is encircled by wild 
Indians— the Apaches — Comanches — Navajoes, and Utahs, and a 
large portion of the country within this circle, checkered by the 
Pueblos of Indians, known as the " Christian Indians ", and in close 
proximity to these, are various Spanish, or Mexican villages. It is 
impossible for the people of the Pueblos and the villages to har- 
monize — they can not agree, and it will require the most careful 
management to prevent the retrograding of these Indians, both mor- 
ally and socially. The great mass of the remaining portion of the 
population of this territory, is not of a character to aid, materially, 
in establishing a wise and salutary system for the protection of In- 
dians, and in advancing them in the scale of civilization. Those 
within the circle and those who form the circle, look upon each other 
as natural enemies, and they are eternally at war, robbing and en- 
slaving each other — This state of things was somewhat checked for a 
time, greatly to the dissatisfaction of many in the circle — for they 
were robbed and captured, and could make no reprisals, hy authoHty. 

1 O. I. A., Santa F^ Agency, C 431. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 149 

In former years, such authority was easily obtained, and robbery and 
murder, with their usual terrible accompaniments, were cured by 
robbery and murder, and in all such instances, the most innocent be- 
came the victims — for the guilty were soon beyond the reach of pur- 
suit — (A. The next page should be inserted here) 

A. 

A plan has been adopted by which the " check ", to which I have 
alluded, is so modified, that it will soon cease to be regarded, at all, as 
a barrier to entering upon, with renewed energies, the old system of 
Reprisals But it is not so called b«t. It is not difficult to perceive, if 
men are permitted — not authorized — to organize a body of men, to 
repossess themselves of property which may have been stolen from 
them, it not only gives them a chance to carry out the odious reprisal 
system, but of comiDromising, and carrying on an improper traffic with 
Indians hostile to our every movement to subjugate them, and to make 
them obedient to just laws, and Submission to proper restraints — 
Many of the individuals who have lost property, affect to have as- 
certained where it may be found, and who can say, they should not 
be permitted to go out and recover their property? No one in this 
territory — nor can any one tell, the amount of claims, which Mexico 
will present against the U. S. for depredations, that may be conse- 
quent upon this, apparently, very just way of regaining one's lost 
property — 

This matter should be seriously considered and, I must repeat te 
you, what I have written to you, heretofore, that the commercial inter- 
course, from this territory, with the wild Indians around it, inflicts 

any 
a greater amount of mischief, than other difficulty we have to 

encounter — This nuisance should be immediately abated — and can 
you abate it, without establishing military posts and trading houses, 
and forbidding the present peddling system, utterly unknown to our 
laws, so far as I have any knowledge of them ? I think not. 

I hesitate not to say, until our Indian Laws, amended as I have 
suggested, are extended over the Indians in this country, you may, 

here 
in vain, expect quiet in this territory — At present, your agents 
are at sea, with no authority but to communicate facts to you — 
(which, I am confident, I have faithfully done,) and whatever else 
they may do, is a mere assumption of action (not authority,) justi- 
fied only by a most pernicious custom, and which can not be abolished 
too soon — 

(Return to page 2. — after letter A 

The Navajos are rich in all the necessaries of life they cultivate 

and collect, by stealing, 
the soil very successfully, raise, numerous 



150 COERESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

herds of sheep and goats, fine horses and mules, and make the finest 
Blankets 

I have ever seen; and yet they have no fixed habitations — 
no permanent homes — The Apaches — Comanches, and Utahs are a 
different people, almost, wholly disdaining to follow peaceful pur- 
suits, and relying, chiejly, upon their skill in making successful dep- 
redations, to secure to themselves a necessary subsistence. 

Without reference to our Treaty ^ with Mexico, it is abundantly 
apparent, it will require the gravest consideration of the most saga- 
cious Statesmen to devise a system that will secure peace and quiet 
in this territory, and promote the happiness and prosperity of all 
within its boundaries, and at the same time, advance the glory of our 
common country. On a question of this magnitude, and so intricate 
in its windings, it may be expected, that among the wisest and most 
discerning, but who can not be upon the spot to see for themselves, 
there must be some diversity of opinion, mainly resulting from the 
contradictory character of the information upon which they must act. 

Judging from what I have seen in the few straggling Newspapers 
which have reached us, I am inclined to the opinion, a majority of 
the flippant advisers of the public — eye witnesses in this territory — 
are mischeivously bent, or deplorably ignorant as to the true condi- 
tion of affairs in this territory — Many are known to belong to the 
first class — and the latter have hastily, and inconsiderately formed 
their opinions, boldly proclaimed them, and obstinately adhere to 
them. 

But few, very few men in this territory, have examined this sub- 
ject with the slightest care, and hence, the mischeivous hy design^ 
and others, because they have not duly considered the subject, may 
submit grave suggestions antagonistical to those I have submitted to 

in all 
you, from time to time — and which I now earnestly renew, 
their length and breadth, 

as the only plan of establishing order in 
this territory. 
I am, 

With great respect. 

Your obt servt. 



Orlando Brown Esqr. 

Comr. of Ind. Affs. 

Washington City 

D. G 



J. S. Calhoun 

Ind. Agt 



Treaties and Conventions, I, pp. 1107-1121. 



CORRESPONDENCE OE JAMES S. CALHOUN. 151 

[CALHOUN TO CRAWFORD/] 

Santa Fe, New Mex. 

Fehy 13 1850. 
Sir, 

The two enclosed ^ communications are sufficiently explanatory of 
the object sought to be attained — and are addressed directly to you 
in order to secure a proper consideration of the subject. 
I am, 

Very respectfully 

Your obt. Servt 

J. S. Calhoun 
Hon. 

G. W. Crawford 

Sec. of War. 

Washington City 

D. G. 

[CALHOUN TO BROWN/] 

No. 41. 

Indian Agency, 
Santa Fe, New Mex. 

Fehy. 13th 1850. 
Sir, 

Since I announced to you the death of Mrs White, not one word 
has come to me in reference to her daughter, and the colored servant, 
who were taken off, at the same time, with Mrs White, by the 
Apaches — I am not advised as to what information, if any, others 
may have received. I do not suppose any has been received. 

In this connection, allow me to say it has been intimated to me, 
that individuals who attempted to aid in the recovery of Mrs White, 
her daughter & servant, expended money to a limited extent, and are 

be 
inclined to the opinion, that under the circumstances, they ought to 
remunerated. The class of claimants to whom I now allude, do not 
pretend to have a claim against this Agency, for they understood, 
distinctly, that upon their success, alone, depended their reward — - 
and which I pledged myself, should not be less than one thousand 
dollars — and if they failed, they were not to expect the slightest re- 
muneration — 

Notwithstanding this matter was so well understood, I can not do 
less than recommend that I may be allowed to pay them a reasonable 

1 a. G. O., C 93 of 1850, enclosed in C 63 of 1850. 

* Steptoe to Quitman, October 25, 1849, and F. J. Thomas to Calhoun, February 10, 1850. 

» O. I. A., Santa ¥6 Agency, C 431. 



152 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

sum, which, in all, can not reach two hundred dollars. This amount 
has no reference to small sums I have already paid according to my 
agreement, and which will appear in an "Account Current," which 
I will send to you in a few days — 
I am, 

Very respectfully. 

Your obt. Servt 

J. S. Calhoun 

Ind. Agt, 
Orlanuo Brown Esqr. 

Gomr. of Ind. Affs. 

Washington City 

B.C. 

[CALHOUN TO BROWN.'] 
No. 42. 



Indian Agency 

Tew IV 

Feb. 18. 1850. 



Santa Fe, New Mex. 



Sir, 

It may not be amiss to call your attention again to the disorders 
that prevail within and adjacent to the Indian Pueblos. That there 
is a determined purpose to stir up strife among these Indians, and 
to disaffect them against the Government of the United States, there 
can not be the slightest doubt. Col. Beall of Taos, who so obligingly 
received and caused to be explained to the Indians the letter which 
I addressed to them on the 2d inst, a copy of which I enclosed to 
you in my No. 36. confirms my impression in reference to the wicked 
designs of individuals, as stated by me in said No. 36 — without, 
however, suggesting political considerations as one of the motives 
that induced the mischeivous intermeddling — The Colonel communi- 
cated to me verbally that my letter to the Indians (Pueblo of Taos) 
had the happiest effect, and when he left Taos for this place, they 
were preparing to send me a written reply — Col. Beall concurs in my 
opinion in reference to the proper management of these Indians, and 
my views generally, as to the course that should be pursued towards 
the Indians of this territory — I derive especial gratification from this 
fact, because Col. Beall is known to possess a much more accurate 
knowledge of Indian character, their various localities, and the 
topography of the country, than any other officer in this territory. 

A short time since, a thief succeeded in stealing a horse from the 
Indian Pueblo of San Juan, about thirty miles north of Santa Fe, 

1 O. I. A„ Santa F6 Agency, C 439. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 153 

and was found and recovered from a Mexican at Algadones, some 
forty miles South of this. The Mexican claimed to have bought 
the horse from a Stranger — The Indian having recovered his horse, 
supposed the matter was at an end; but it was not so — and The 
Mexican 

has commenced a system of annoyance, by which he hopes 
to repossess himself of the horse, or make the Indian pay a certain 
amount of money, and has instructed a Mexican Alcalde to sue the 
Indian for the feed of the horse while in his possession — So far I 
have protected the Indian, and will continue to do so to the utmost 
of my power — But, unless an Agent is sent there, the Mexican thro' 
the Alcalde, will, ultimately, get the horse or the money — Hence, 
the necessity of extending to these Indians the benefits of our Indian 
laws — with as little delay as practicable — and if early legislation 
can not be had, ought not the end to be accomplished by treaty? 

An Indian of San Illdefonso, sold a mare and Colt a few years 
ago, the colt having been killed, the mare strayed off, followed by 
another Colt, and some months thereafter, the mare was taken up by 
the Indian who had sold her, and the Colt by a Tesuque Indian, 
where they have remained for the last five years, no claimant ap- 
pearing in the mean time. 

Some designing wretch has induced the San Illdefonso Indians 
to claim, at this late day, the Colt also persuading them, if the 
Indian Agent, (myself) was friendly towards them, and decided 
justly in the matter, he would order the Colt into their possession — I 
have ordered matters to remain as they were — and the Indian claim- 
ant declares he is perfectly satisfied with my decision; and he will 
remain so, unless evil persons shall control him again. 

My position just now, is an exceedingly unpleasant, having no posi- 
tive legal right to interfere in preserving order and tranquility, and 
therefore my acts are subject to such military control as may seem 
wise to the chief of this Department. It is proper to remark the 
chief has not reversed or modified a single act of mine; but in con- 
sequence of misapprehension on his part, he has felt it to be his 
duty to enquire concerning them — and so far I have submitted to 
this supervision, and shall continue to do so, until proper action is 
had at Washington — and trust that will be at an early day. 

Two of these enquiries occurred during the present month, the 
last one, since I commenced writing this letter — It so happened, 
in both instances my views and actions had been in perfect unison 
with Governor Munroe's views — this fact, however, does not releive 
me from the dissatisfaction which necessarily results from the sug- 
gestion, consequent upon the enquiry, that I had, possibly, grossly 
erred, to correct which, some action might be necessary. You will 



154 COBRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

at once perceive, that such a state of things can not be agreeable — 
and this will also, explain to you, why I have been so minute in rela- 
tion to matters of no great moment, in my letters to you — In order 
to guard against misrepresentations, as well as misapprehensions, I 
have taken the precaution to send to you a faithful record of my 
actings and doings in this territory. 
I am. 

With great respect, 

Your obt. Servt. 

J. S. Calhoun 

Ind. Agt. 
Orlando Brown Esqr. 

Comr. of Ind. Afs. 

Washington City 

D. G. 

[CALHOITN TO BROWN.'] 

No. 43. 

Indian Agency. 
Santa Fe, New Mex. 

Fehy. 28th 1850. 
Sir, 

In a few days a mail, we are informed, will be made up for the 
States, and I take the occasion to lay before you such items of intelli- 
gence as have come to my knowledge since I addressed to you No. 42. 

I have received the promised communication from the Taos 
Indians, in which they express the most perfect satisfaction in 
reference to 

my advisory letter to them, a copy of which I forwarded 
lo you with my No. 36. They urge me to beg the President of the 
United States to extend to them the benefits of the laws which has 
been adopted for the protection of the Indians resident in said States 
before the acquisition of the territory of New Mexico. 

They also, formally apply for permission to send one or more of 
their men to Washington City, at the expense of the Government of 
the United States, that their delegates may in person, see the Presi- 
dent of the United States, and learn from Am, his purposes in refer- 
ence to their Pueblo, and their various grievances. 

The Governor of San Illdefonso, and four of his Captains came 
to see me on yesterday complaining of Mexican encroachments within 
their Pueblos, and on their pasturage grounds. Mexicans, and per- 



» O. I. a., Santa F« Agency, C 440. 



COERESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 155 

haps others, manage to secure houses in the Pueblo, open shops, sell 
the Indians ardent spirits, and are learning them to gamble — the 
Governors of these Pueblos say they can not control their young men 
as formerl}^, and that the causes stated above, are fruitful sources of 
disorders and crimes. At my solicitation. Governor Munroe has 
issued an Order that will enable me to remedy some of the grievances 
complained of. 

Several deputations from different Pueblos have begged me to go 
and live with them, that they might have the benefit of my protec- 
tion; and to my replies that I could not do so with propriety, they 
enquired if I could not send them an agent who would be governed 
by me; and the San Illdefonso Indians, on yesterday, offered to fur- 
nish a house to such an agent, if I would send them one. I sincerely 
regret I have not the power to take care of the Indians in this par- 
ticular. 

I regret to state, that on the 24th or 25th inst. a party of Apaches, 
numbering some twenty or thirty, made a sudden descent from the 
high hills South of San Miguel, and on the broad road from Santa 
Fe to Las Vegas, killed one Mexican and wounded two others. This 
occurred within eight miles of San Miguel. A band of these same 
Indians, a few days previous to this outrage, drove off about twelve 
thousand sheep from our neighborhood, killing several herdsmen, 
and securing several captives. 

Between El Paso and Socoro, the Indians are becoming more 
troublesome and impudent, and in the very neighborhood of Don 
Ana, they hesitate not to approach, murder, make captives, and drive 
off stock. 

I learn from the Governor of San Illdefonso, that on Sunday the 
24th inst, four Apache Indians were at their Pueblo, on their way to 
the Utah country, and would enter it west of Abiquin, at a point 
where the Navajos and Utahs frequently meet each other. They 
stated their object was to secure the cooperation of the Utahs in their 
war against the Government of the United States. I doubt not they 
have visited every Pueblo they dared to approach, for the same pur- 
pose; but the San Illdefonso Indians say, they know nothing of the 
fact as to other Pueblos, deny it as to themselves, admit that their 
object was unhesitatingly announced, and could not say whether the 
Apaches intended to visit the Navajos, or not. 

I received this information last evening, and immediately dis- 
patched a trustworthy trader to ascertain the present feelings of the 
Utahs towards the American people — their true state and condition, 
and whether they were in league, or about engaging in a league with 
any other Indians against the quiet of this territory &c &c. he will 
be absent ten or fifteen days. 



156 COEKESPONDENCE Of JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

Thus stand matters on this day. It is not needful that I should 
add a commentary, for it could only be a repetition of what I have 
heretofore written to you. 
I am, 

very respectfully, 

Your obt. Servi 

J. S. Calhoun 

Ind. Agt. 
Orlando Brown Esqr. 

Comr. of Ind. Affs 

Washington City 

D. 0. 

[CALHOUN TO BROWN.*] 

No 44. 

Indian Agency. 

Santa Fe, New Mexico. 

March 1st. 1850. 
Sir. 

I have the honor to transmit to you an "Abstract " of Disburse- 
ments, as Indian Agent, residing at Santa Fe, New Mexico, together 
with an "Account Current ", which will show the pecuniary state 
and condition of this Agency, on the last day of the year 1849. 

The migratory character of my duties, in this territory, up to the 
present time, has not afforded me the leisure to make my " Ketums " 
promptly, at the proper periods — I have now, I think, so arranged 
and systematized the business of this Agency, as to enable me, on the 
morning after the termination of a Quarter, to forward my Returns, 
should an opportunity offer. 

The expenditures of the Quarter ending on the last day of this 
month, will exceed eight hundred dollars, without including Salaries. 
This will show you, that to sustain this Agency for the ensuing quar- 
ter, will require every dollar of my own Salary, and I shall so expend 
it, relying upon the Department's sense of justice for its reim- 
bursement. 

A former letter of mine will have convinced you, that the extrava- 
gant charges made for every article sold in this territory, excludes 
the idea, that a just estimate of the proper expenditures for this 
Agency, may be ascertained by referring to like expenditures made 
within the former limits of the United States. 

I desire it to be remembered, in passing over this territory, you 
are, generally, under the necessity of carrying your own bedding — 
cooking utensils— and subsistence, and if you are shielded from in- 

1 O. I, a., Santa Fe Agency, C 441. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 157 

clement weather, after leaving i:ertain localities, you must carry your 
tents. 

Bl^^If the Commissary at this post, had not ha^ sold me subsistence 
upon the same terms as he sells them to officers, before this day, 
every dollar of the $3800 with which I was intrusted, would ey e thi s 
have been expended. 

The importance of some immediate arrangement for this Agency, 
will occur to you, without another word from me. 

The continuous and exciting character of the duties assigned to 
me here, is agreeable, and all I care for, independent of an honest 
and faithful discharge of my duties, is the means to sustain myself 
with usual respectability. 

I think my Returns are in conformity to the instructions given 
by the Department on the 7th day of April 1849, to which, I very 
respectfully, refer you. 
I am, 

With great respect, 

Your obt. Servt, 

J. S. Calhoun 

Ind. Agt 
Orlando Brown Esqr. 

Gomr. of Ind. Afs. 

Washington City 
D.G. 

[CALHOUN TO BROWN.'] 

No. 4.5. 
[Inclosure.^I 

Santa Fe New Mexico 

February 27th 1850. 
To the President of the United States 
Sra, 

"We respectfully represent to you that the condition of affairs in 
this territory — New Mexico — requires the interposition of the strong 
arm of the Government of the United States to repress the disorders, 
from which no place within its borders is exempt. No one in this 
territory is safe in his person or property. Murders and robberies 

* Apparently not on file in the Indian Office, but referred to in the following entry for May 11, 1850, 
O. L A., L. R. No. 37: 



I 1 

11 I 

O. I. A. Santafe Calhoun, J. S. : Enclosing Petition to the 

448 ' 4 Mch. 1850 ' President I ■. S. in relation 

J i to Indian murders & rob- 

I beries in New Mexico. 



Comr. Ref 'd Sec. of War. 



«0. I. X., Santa F4 Agency, C 448. 



158 COKRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

are of daily occurrence. Only four days ago a band of Apaches 
suddenly came down from the hills, and killed one Mexican and 
wounded two others, within eight miles of San Miguel, on the broad 
highway from Santa Fe to Las Vegas. A few days before this mur- 
der they drove off about twelve thousand sheep from places south 
of San Miguel. These same Indians infest the whole country between 
Socorro and Don Ana, and they are so daring as to come almost 
within sight of the latter Military Post, and commit murders, make 
captives, and drive off stock. We hear of these outrages in every 
direction. We have reliable information that these same Indians, are 
now attempting to alienate the affections of the Pueblo Indians from 
the people of the United States, and to engage them in their deeds 
of murder, rapine, and plunder. We further learn that a deputation 
of Apaches passed within twenty five miles of this place West from 
South to North, on Sunday the 24th Inst, and are now in some part 
of the Utah Country for the purpose of exciting said Utahs to fresh 
outbreaks, and to unite with them in their savage warfare against 
the American people. We have reason to believe the same concert 
of action will be attempted with the Navajoes, and the constant inter- 
course of Indians generally, and yet more unscrupulous Indian 
traders who are roving in every portion of New Mexico, lead us to 
apprehend an increase of evils from the Comanches. 

The savage butchery of poor White and the male part of his party 
in October last, at the Point of Rocks, and the yet more horrible 
fate of Mrs. White, call for a vengeance that there is not power 
enough in this territory to inflict, and to these, when the facts are 
ascertained, we may have to add as victims, the daughter and servant 
woman of Mrs. White. 

These are the foreshadowings of our own fate, unless the Govern- 
ment of the United States shall promptly and efficiently come to 
our aid. 

We say to you Sir with all due solemnity, our Indian troubles at 
this moment are of a more terrible, and alarming character, than 
we have ever known them before, and many of us have lived in this 
territory from five to fifty years. 

We feel confident Sir you are ready and willing to give us all 
proper aid and protection, and that the Congress of the United 
States will promptly place at your disposal the means necessary to 
effect that object. 

Pardon us for adding, we shall never have protection and quiet 
in this territory, until the Comanches, Navajoes, and Utahs are con- 
fined and forced to remain in certain fixed limits. This whole coun- 
try should be thoroughly explored and surveyed, and Military posts 
established and roads opened in every direction. 

We beg for an adequate Mounted force to accomplish these ends, 
and we further pray there may be no delay in sending them to our 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 



159 



rescue. Allow us further to say, the Pueblo Indians should be con- 



not he alienated. Upon all these points, we doubt not you have been 
promptly and correctly officially advised; but without any feelings 
of disrespect to any one we thought we might venture to make this 
communication as testimony designed to sustain the reports which 
we doubt not the Officers of the Government of the United States 
have made to you. 

As in duty bound, we shall ever pray. 



J. W. Austin 
W. T. Dalton 

WiLMER KUDOLPH 

Henry Winslow 
Thomas F. Bowler. 
Jesus. G. Abrin 
J M GiDDiNGS Clk C. G 
Richard Owens, Foreman 

Grand Jury 
J. Mercure Grand Juror 

Wm. a. JNIiller Grand Juror 
T. McCuTCHEN Grand Juror 
Benito Amo Lanugoiti 
Murray F. Iujjley Attorney General 
Joaquin Chaves G Juror 
BiSENTA Lopez G Juror 
T. H. Kelly G Juror 
B. f. Mahan Dyty Clk 
T B Giddings 
Eurus Beach 
D L. Rood. 
Manuel Alvarez 
John Devaux 
John Baptiste Fourrier 
Fereol Conturs 
H. L. Dickinson 
Smith D. Towne 
F. G. EwiNG 
Joseph Naugle 
James Conklin 
Joseph Johnston 
Andrew J Murphy. 
"Wm. Ascales. 
J. M. McIntosh 
Jno. N. Abell. 
Alex Duvall 



J. Houghton Judge C. G 

Wm. Raymond 

Chs. Blumner 

E. P. West 

W Z. Angney 

C H Merriti 

A T Donaldson 

J. M. Hunt 

E. W. Prewitt 

Alex Valle 

H. M. Beckwith 

m. swabacher 

Teny Romeno 



Jose 

W Curtis Skinner 



Chas. E. Kearny 
E. M. Wood 



Treauser 
Lawyer 
Lawyer 
Sheriff 
Sheriff 
Grand Jur 
G^ Juror 
G Juror 
G Juror 
Grand Juror 
Grand Juror 



Grand Juror 
Lawyer 



160 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

[CALHOITN TO BROWN."] 

No 46. 

Indian Agency 
Santa Fe, Neav Mexico 

March 15th 1850 
Sir, 

A number of gentlemen will leave for the States on to-morrow 
morning, and have kindly offered to take charge of letters I may 
desire to forward ; and to them I shall be indebted for the conveying 
of this communication. 

For the last two months, the weather has been so favorable, we had 
hoped for some approach to regularity in the receipt of our mails. 
It is now thirty six days since our last mail was received here; and 
this delay is the more distressing to us, as the few straggling news- 
papers which have come to Santa Fe, have induced fearful apprehen- 
sions, in our minds, as to the public tranquility of our once happy and 
glorious Union. 

I can but utter the fervent prayer of my heart, that harmony may 
have been restored, that all vexed questions may have been satisfac- 
torily adjusted, and that the Government of the United States may 
continue to prosper and advance in the scale of human grandeur, 
unrivalled, and unequalled, to the end of time. 

Since my last letter was addressed to you, the accustomed annoy- 
ances in this territory have kept pace with the progress of time. We 
have heard of several fights between Mexican traders and Indians, in 
which there were killed and wounded upon both sides; and subse- 
quently a treaty of peace entered into, and the usual trading opened 
between them. In this way a large number of captives, horses and 
mules from Mexico are brought into this territory, and for which, I 
presume, the United States will be called upon to make no reasonable 
restitution. 

One of my agents, dispatched for the rescue of the unfortunate 
Mrs White and daughter, returned a few days ago, and reports that 
he found, after roaming in various directions for six or eight weeks, 
an encampment of Apaches not numbering less than two thousand, 
including women and children, in a valley near the " Sierra Gauda- 
lupe ". about three days travel north of the road from San Antonio, 
Texas, to El Paso, and he supposes, about seven days travel from the 
latter place, and thirteen from Santa Fe, and that a good wag on 
road may be easily opened from San Miguel on either side of the Rio 
Pecos, to the very spot which these Indians now occupy. My in- 
formant supposes there were about one thousand warriors present, a 
few Comanches among them, all well mounted on fine mules and 
horses in excellent condition, the grazing being decidedly good, and 

1 O. I. A., Santa F6 Agency, C 449 ; A. G. O., Files, I 34 of 1850. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 161 

that they had but a few arms, except the bow and arrow. They are 
said to be well supplied with food, consisting, chiefly, of the meat of 
horses and goats, and the maguey root substituted for bread. 

Encamacion Garcia, (my agent,) and his party were invited into a 
large Lodge to talk with the captains of these Indians. During the 
talk, the captains stated, they were tired of war, and desired peace, 
that they could move in no direction without having to fight and 
that they had a large number of captives, horses and mules which 
they had not found a market for, as traders did not come to them as 
formerly. The superabundance of captives, horses and mules on 
hand, has not resulted, in my opinion, from there being fewer traders 
than usual, but because the Indians have been unusually successful in 
their depredations. Garcia thinks they had upwards of fifty captives T 
with them, all taken from Mexico and brought into this territory / 
during the last year. His party, while out, bought four captives, but 
not from the Indians alluded to above. 

The Captains requested Garcia to see the Governor of Santa Fe, 
and ascertain whether he was willing to make peace with them, and 
if so, upon what terms, when and where. With one of the party, I 
called to see the Governor, who was fully advised in relation to 
the facts stated above ; but what he may design to do in the premises, 
I, of course, do not know. 

It will not fail to occur to you, a most decisive blow might be in- 
Indians 
flicted upon these at this particular moment, if the means were 

properly concentrated. Such another opportunity may not occur 
for months, as the Indians will disperse so soon as the snow upon 
the mountains will allow them. Every one of these Indians could 
now be captured — horses and mules, now so much needed in this 
territory, could be procured — and we could, in part comply with one 

to Mexico, 
of our obligations in rescuing and returning captives, in 

compliance with an article of the treaty of 1848. 

It may not be improper to remark, in relation to captives, whether 
Indians or Mexicans, or in the possession of either, they are bought 
and sold as Peons, and are relieved from servitude only by the pay- 
ment of such an amount as their masters may demand. Neither a 
Mexican, or an Indian have the slightest objection to become the 
purchasers of their own " kith and kin ". Peons, you are aware, is 
but another name for slaves, as that term is understood in our South- 

the system of peonage is 
em States; but not confined to a race of 

the human family. All colors and tongues are subjected to its laws, 
as the laws have been executed in this territory. Although within 
the sphere of our Government, they yet think, the right to buy and 
5021—15 11 



soil oaptivos is [xM-ffrC, ami Uuil iu> hiiiiiaii powtT ran ilisturh that 
ri^hl. 

'I'ho valiu' of captivos tU'poiul ii|>»mi n^v, si'\, beauty, aiul iisoful- 
ness. (looil loolvini>' ftMiialos, not liaviii*^ passoil the ''soar ixud vollow 
leaf," arc \alucil fiom liriv [o oiu> hiiiulroil aiul tll'lv tlollars eaoli. 
Males, as {\\v\ m;i\ Ix- um'I'uI, one hall" K'ss, iio\iM- moic. Tho cap- 
tives due to iMi'xiro, 1 .shall not fail to diMiiaiul. 1 lia\t> rotiuirod 
Garoia's \M\vt\ to hrin-; («> \\\c tlu> foui- captivi's alioady, distiiu'tly, 
iiuMi(u>iu'd What thoy may do, 1 oaii not tolU- If thoy are hroii«;ht 
to \\\i\ I will (ako i-aro id' thorn, Althoiinh 1 am without instructions to 
thai rili'i't, aiul unsustaiiu'd l>y a lawful iMuutmcnt, so as to enforce 
the atluK" iA' the treaty alluded to, yd. 1 ri'^aiil it as my duty to 
take I'liait'c i^( siieli t-apli\e.s wluMiexer I I'an {{{^ m> with propriety, 
und shall rely upon the Meparimeiii to i'eiml>uisi> tt) me the expendi- 
tures nt«eossarily ineuired in this diil\, so soon as it may have the 
means of so (h>ini;. 

'i\> show tlu^ I'vieiii id" the tiavle in .Me\i<-aii eapti\t's, I need hut 
mention the fact, that tht* ivioway Indians, residing north of the 
Arkansas, have just returned from Mexico to their homes, with 
several caplivos. 

.Vll will a<4ftH> that this revoltiiiii' trade slu>uld he sto[>[>iHl; hut may 
not agret^ a-, to the mode of doinj:; so. 1 will merely restjite what I 
have more than om-e siiooested to you on this subject. Kveiy tribe 
of hulians shmild he eoiilined io eeitain limits, beyond which tliey 
Jrvliould not wander. 

No tribe siiouKI be lov-ait"d within one hundred miles of the lino 
botwei>n tlu> rniiCil Slates and Mt>\iio. 

M\ery hoisc and miiU' slu>uld be laken from tlu' Apav-hes, if not 
fn>m oi lu>r tribes. 

I'lvtMN tribe shoiihl be made to culti\ato the soil in ordm' to sup- 
port themselves. 

1 am iu>t munindful of the heavy cxpeiulitures such an arrani>o- 
ment would require, to leave out the iiuostit)ns of humanity and good 
g,ovori\mont, such an arrangement, in the end, would be an absolute 
saving (^f money to the T nit od States Treasury — - 

I will i'i»m'ludo this letter by adding that (uircia informs me, that 
there are a large numluM- o( wounded Indians among the Apaches, 
and that tlu^ daughter o( .Mrs AVhito was killoil on the satno day her 
nu>ther w.as killed. This is w hat the Indians state. 
I am, 

\'ery respect fully 

Ymir obt. Sorvt. 

J. S. Camuhtn 

/nd. A(jt. 

OuuViNoo IhiowN Ksip-. 

Comr. of Jnd. Afs tfv. 



COKRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 



163 



[CALHOUN TO BROWN/] 

Xo. 47. 
[Related Correspondence.] 
[VAN HORNE TO McLAWS.2] 



Head Quarters Batln. S^ Infantry, 

Paso del Norte, New Mexico, 

February 23, 1850. 
Sir, 

Yours of 3d Feby. is received. In yours of 28tli Deer. 1849 you say to me " it 
is hereby directed tbat you sustain tlie civil jurisdiction of the territory of New 
Mexico, her civil officers and magistrates in the execution of their duties for 
the protection of their persons and property only, under what is called the 
" Kearney code," until such time as Texas shall officially assume civil 
jurisdiction." 

Major Neighbours has arrived here as Commissioner from the State of Texas, 
with instructions to assume jurisdiction over all New JNIexico, east of the Rio 
Grande, to hold elections for all various County Officers &c. The country from 
Presidio del Norte to 70 miles below this is called Presidio county; thence to 
San Diego above Don Aiia, El Paso county, thence north is divided into Worth 
and Santa Fe counties. Mr. White informs me that he has given you the par- 
ticulars with copies of the papers &c. Major Neighbours is busy holding elec- 
tions, circulating the Govrs. message, addresses &c. and will in a few days 
proceed northward. 

He left Col McCall at San Antonio, waiting for the arrival of recruits from 
La Yaca, on their way here with him. He brings news of the deaths of Lieuts. 
Neil and Harrison of Dragoons, the former by suicide, and says Genl. Brooke 
is ill and has applied for leave. 
Very Respectfully 

Tour obedt Servt 

J. Van Horne 
B. Maj. 3 Iny Comdg 
Lieut. L. McLaws, 

Actg. Asst. Adjt. Genl, 

9th Mil. Department, 

Santa F6 
Mr Coons writes me from S. Antonio that Qr. Mr. Babbitt has issued pro- 
posals for the services of 250 IMexican carts to transport supplies here in the 
spring 

1 The text of this letter has not been found, but the following register entry, taken from O. I. A., L. R. 
No. 37 gives the substance of its contents. 



1S50 
May 



O.I. A. Santa f(? 
4o0 



J. S. Calhoun 

IC, Mch. 1850 



Reports that the Comm" of 
Texas are mo\-ing onward 
to possess New Mexico— 
and that the New Mexi- 
cans speak of resistance. 



In connection with the subject matter of No. 47, the documents on pp. 189, 243, 252, 
are elucidating and in the highest degree interesting. The special message of President 
Fillmore, August 6, 1850, (Richardson, V, pp. 07-7.S) furnishes additional facts. 

»A. G. 0., Pile box, Department of New Mexico, 1850, V5. 



164 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

[munroe to beall and others/] 

Head Quarters 9 Mil : Dept. 
Santa Fe, N. M° Mar. 12 1850. 
Sib, 

Having been duly notified by Major Robert S Neighbours of his arrival as a 
commissioner of the State of Texas for the purpose of establishiug the civil 
jurisdiction of the State over this territory; Your command will observe a 
rigid noninterference with him in the exercise of his Functions and equally 
avoid coming in conflict with the Judicial authorities created by that State 
I am respectfully 

Your Ob"' Serv' 

Signed John Munroe 

Bvt Col. V. 8. Army 

Comds Dept: 
To 
Lt. Col. Beall — Taos 
Capt. JuDD, Las Vegas 
Maj. Howe, Alburquerque 
Col. May, Socorro 
Maj. Steen, Dona Anna 
Maj. Van Horne, Opp: El Paso 
Maj. Henry, San Elizario 

[SCOTT TO MUNROE ^J 

War Department 

August 6th 1850 
Munroe, Brevet Colonel J. 
U. 8. Army 

Conidg. 9th Military Department 

New Mexico. 
Sir, 

About seven hundred and fifty recruits are now in route, via the Missouri 
and Lavaca, respectively, to fill up the regiments and companies under your 
command. They may be expected by you, in all the next month, and the 7" 
Regiment of Infantry, with one or two troops of the 1st Dragoons will soon 
follow. Some two hundred men of the 7th Infantry will leave the Missouri 
mounted. 

These reinforcements are deemed necessary to enable you to protect the 
people of New Mexico against the incursions of hostile Indians; but another 
and more painful contingency may be apprehended. 

It is Ijnown here, that the Legislature of Texas has been summoned, by the 
Governor of that State, to meet, on the 12th. instant, to adopt measures for 
extending her political and civil jurisdiction over that part of New Mexico, on 
this side of the Rio Grande, claimed as a part of Texas. 

It is quite possible, perhaps probable, if the disputed boundary between Texas 
and New Mexico, be not earlier established by Congress, that a large body of 

by Texas 
troops may be levied, in all this month, and sent to New Mexico, to 

effect, by force of arms, the object stated. 



lA. G. O., Old Book, No. 2, p. 29. 
'A. G. 0., M. B., No. 30, pp. 266-268. 



COERESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 165 

In such event, your position, as the Immediate commander of the Unitad 
States' forces, in New Mexico, will be one of much delicacy and difficulty, and 
hence demanding adequate instructions from the highest in authority. 

It is held by the President of the United States to be his duty, under consti- 
tutional obligations and the 9th Article of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo; 
and until the boundary between Texas and New Mexico shall be duly estab- 
lished, to protect to the extent of the means at his disposition, against all vio- 
lence whatsoever, the inhabitants in the country, known, at the date of that 
treaty, as New Mexico, in the enjoyment of all rights, political and civil, which 
were secured to them by the said treaty. 

Accordingly, you are hereby instructed, in the case of any military invasion 
of New Mexico, from Texas, or by armed men from any other State or States, 
for the purpose of overturning the order of civil government that may exist 
In New Mexico at the time, or of subjugating New Mexico to Texas, to interpose, 
as far as practicable, the troops under your command against any such act of 
violence. 

The invaders will probably announce their approach and purposes by procla- 
mation. It may be expedient for you to meet them by a like public declaration, 
in terms at once moderate and firm, intimating the general character of these 
instructions from the President, and your purpose to execute them. You will 
also profit by all opportunities to remonstrate and use such means of persuasion 
as may be in your power with the principal invaders to avoid, if possible, a re- 
sort to repulsive violence ; but, when necessary, and without losing any material 
advantage, by delay, you will take all preliminary steps for defence, and, in the 
last resort, resist with vigor. 

Acts of violence, on the part of the invaders, may commence by the arrest 
of the existing civil functionaries of New Mexico, and imprisoning them; or 
by setting up substitutes for those functionaries and imprisoning opposers and 
remonstrants ; or the invaders may endeavor to coerce the inhabitants into sub- 
mission, by taking or destroying their property. Any such act will present a 
clear case for the direct and active employment of the forces under your 
command. 

How far, prior to the commission of such acts of violence, the intention to 
commit them, avowed by proclamation or otherwise, on the part of the invaders, 
may warrant you to resist the advance of the invaders, must depend on the 
terms of the avowal, the exposed condition of the frontier settlements, towards 
Texas, and other circumstances which may be better estimated in your position 
than by the Executive at this distance. His expectation is that you will take 
all preliminary measures, within your power, to protect the people of New 

by force, 
Mexico against violence, and to repel force when clearly necessary to 

that end. 

With entire confidence in your judgment, discretion and firmness 
I remain, 

With great respect Tr Obt Serv 

WiNFiELD Scott 
Acting Secretary of War. 

A duplicate this day forwarded, under cover, to General Brooke, at San 
Antonio, with instructions to give it dispatch to Colonel Munroe, at Santa Fe, 

WiNFiELD Scott 
Sept 5' IS.W. 



166 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUiV, 

[CALHOUN TO BROWN.'] 

No 48. 

Indian Agency. 

Santa Fe, New Mexico. 

March 16th 1850. 
Sir, 

I ask your particular attention to the enclosed copies — A — B. C. 
D & E. in the order in which they are marked. For A & B I am in- 
debted to Govr. Munroe, C. will show you why D was issued, and E. 
the report required. 

D & E. contain all that the Department can have an interest in. 
A. B. & C. have personal bearings upon myself. 

I am not indifferent as to public opinion, but feel but little con- 
cern as to the opinions of certain individuals, who are not only 
ignorant, in many respects, but whose political prejudices exclude the 
possibility of their doing justice to one they do not follow, or to 
one who will not follow them. It is enough to defer to the Chief of 
this Military Department — ^The right of a suhordinate to control me, 
or to be advised of my actings and doings, I can not, I will not 
recognize. Upoji this subject, I do not desire to add another word. 
A. B. C. & E were received within the last two hours, and I intend 
this communication shall overtake my mail of this morning. 

The Report, E. confirms the statement of Encarnacion Garcia, 
that Mrs. White's daughter was killed on the same day her poor 
mother was so inhumanely butchered. 

In relation to the Utahs, I have nothing to add to my former com- 
munications. The accompanying documents do not influence my 
opinions — I am aware and so I have informed you, that mischeivous 
advisers were among the Indians — My opinion is, the treaty I made 
with them at Abiquin should be confirmed, and the Utahs forced to 
a compliance. 
I am, 
Sir. 

Very respectfully 
Your obt. Servt 



Orlando Brown Esqr. 

Comr. Ind. Affs 

Washington City 



S. Calhoun 

Ind. Agt. 



1 O. I. a., Santa F6 Agency, C 444. 



I 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 167 

[Inclosures. ] 

Copy— A 

[BEALL TO McLAWS] 

Head Qrs. Detchmt 1st Dragn 

Don Fernanda de Taos, N. M 

13th March 1860 
Sir, 

It is well known to you that there is a large party of the Utah 
tribe, with whom peace has never been made. These Indians have 
been and still are in the vicinity of Red River, doubtful as yet of the 
policy of the government toward them. As these Indians are actu- 
ally, and consider themselves, at war with us, although no hostile 
demonstrations have been made by them, it is evident that all trad- 
ing with them must be unlawful & injurious to the interests of the 
United States. A few days ago I received authentic information 
that two Frenchmen named Lacombe, of Arroyo Hondo, had gone 
out to these Utahs, taking with them many contraband articles of 
traffic such as flints, knives &c. Accordingly acting on the above 
views, I immediately sent an order to arrest them & bring them be- 
fore me. They themselves stated that they had a license to trade, & 
were also invested by the Governor with powers to make peace if 
they thought fit. This seeming so absurd (as in case of their ever 
receiving a license to trade I would have been informed of it) & 
knowing well that they are men utterly devoid of all character & 
principle (having been punished for the same offence before) I have 
acted as above stated, & when they shall be apprehended, will treat 
them according to their deserts. 

Respectfully submitted for the consideration of the Colonel Com- 
manding 9th Military department. 
I am very respectfully 



Your obt. Servt. 



B. L. Beall 

Bvt. Lt. Col. U. S. A. 

Comd 



Lt. L. McLaws 

Infantry. A. A. A. Genl. 

0th Military Dej>t. 

Santa Fe 



168 COEEESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

Copy— B. 

[BEALL TO McLAWS] 

Hd. Qrs 1 Dragoon Det. 

Don Fernandez de Taos 

March ll^th 1850 

SiK. 

Since my communication to the Col. Comg. of yesterday, I have 
received information that the persons alluded to in that communica- 
tion, have positively stated to certain Mexicans, that they have been 
empowered, to make peace with and trade with the Band of Eutas 
alluded to. I have been expecting a delegation of this Band at this 
post, as I sent out a runner to them inviting them here to meet the 
U. S. Indian Agent for this Territory; but I am fearful that these 
traders will induce them not to come here. For further information 
I would respectfully refer the Col. Comg. to Mr Ortubus the bearer 
of these Communications. 



I am respy. 

Your Obt Servt 



B. L. Be ALL 
Bv Lt Col. V. S. A. 

Comg, 
Lt L. McLaws 

A. A. A. Genl 

9 Mily Dept. 

Santa Fe. 

Copy— C. 

Santa Fe. March 16th 1850. We the undersigned hereby certify 
that Auguste Lacome was recommended by us, to Coin. J. S. Calhoun 
(U. S. Indian Agent, for the Territory of New Mexico) for the pur- 
pose of obtaining information of the condition, & disposition of the 
Eutaw Indians, but chiefly through their agency to effect the rescue 
or ransome of the Daughter of J. M. White, lately murdered by the 
Apaches. And that from the knowledge we have of said Lacome he 
is entitled to all respect & confidence & in our opinion no agent more 
fit or suitable could have been selected, 

Manuel Alvarez 
late V. S. Consul at Santa Fe. 
Wm. S. Messervy 
Copy— D. 

Indian Agency, Santa Fe, 
New Mexico^ Feby 26th, 1850. 
Auguste Lacome is hereby authorized to proceed to the Utah 
country, for the purpose of ascertaining the true state and condition 



CORKESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 169 

of the Indians of said country, their temper and feelings towards the 
people of this Territory, and of the United States — their present 
localities and the probable numbers at each place, and their intentions 
as to a compliance with the terms of the late Treaty made with them 
at Abiquin — Having ascertained these facts he will report to me in 
person at the earliest possible day — In order to obtain access to said 
Indians, the said Auguste Lacome is authorized to take with him such 
articles as are usually sold to Indians, and to trade with them taking 

them 
care to sell no articles of war. 

J. S. Calhoun 

Indian Agent. 

Original — E. 

report of auguste lacome to coln j. s. calhoun u. s. agent for the 
territory n. mexico. 

Sir, 

According to your instruction of the 26th of Feby 1850 I pro- 
ceeded to the camps of the Eutaw Indians & there endeavoured to 
further the ends of the U. S. government which you did me the 
honour to entrust to my charge. 

All the principal chiefs of the Eutaw Tribe of Indians with whom 
I held communication to wit. 

(1st Pachuco 2d Chico Belasques 3d Amparua 4th Tarihuachi 
5th Domingo 6th Miguel Gallegos. Tth Apparujah 8th Garcias.) 
desire or f)retend to desire peace with the Government & people of 
the United States, They promise never again to take up arms against 
the people of the United States, either Americans or Mexicans. They 
furthermore requested me to return with the United States Indian 
Agent to make with them a permanent peace. 

They furthermore desired me to say to the Gov that the Chiefs, 
who should be recognized by you as having authority among their 
people, should be so distinguished, by receiving from you some sign or 
simbol of their rank, such as an Alcaldies cain or some such mark of 
distinction. 

That when they broke the old treaty they were forced to do so from 
the fact, that they were in a starving condition, that when they robbed 
the ranches of the people of the northern part of this Territory, it 
was the purpose of the Chiefs subsequently to make reparation. 

The Treaty at Abiqui they do not consider as binding & never did 
so consider it, as but one of their Chiefs entered into that Treaty, 
& he was not authorized by the other Chiefs of his Tribe to make 
such Treaty, and furthermore when he the only Chief who made it 
(Chico Belasques) entered into negociations did not act, nor did he 
ever intend to act in good faith & it is the opinion of the undersigned 



170 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

that the Indian Agent of the United States Government can never 
safely repose confidence in said Chico Belasques, that he has sworn 
eternal hatred & enmity both to Americans & Mexicans, & that the 
his mark of distinction among his tribe, are the ornaments of his 
" legings," being the finger nails of Americans on one side & of Mexi- 
cans on the other. That the said Chico Belasques was engaged with 
the Apaches in their massacre of the party of Mr. J. M. "White, & 
that he boasts of the jDart he took in that disaster & furthermore he 
(C. B.) 

was with the Apaches at the time of Majr Griers attack 
upon them. 

That all the above named Chiefs, desire that all former Treaties 
may be regarded as null & void, as they alledge to have had as much 
reason to complain of infringements of the same on the part of the 
people & troops of the United States as can possibly be brought 
against them. 

That they desire, immediately to hold a Council with the U. S. 
Indian Agent at a place called Costilla — about two journey from 
Taos, or at the Sand Hills about the same distance from Abiqui 
They desire that the escort of said Agent may not consist of more 
than five men 

That they are all very poor, & are entirely destitute of Arms, 
poAvder & lead, but manifested a strong desire to be supplied with 
those articles. 

The undersigned regrets to state that the chief object of his mis- 
sion to the Eutaws was not accomplished; viz: through the agency 
of that Tribe now in friendly relations with the Apaches to rescue 
or ransome the Daughter of the late J. M. White, but was assured 
and convinced that the daughter was murdered a short time after the 
murder of her mother, in the retreat of the Apaches before the attack 
of Majr Grier upon them. 

Santa Fe March IGth 1850. 

AUGUSIIE Lacome 

To Col°. J. S. Calhoun 

Z7. S. Indian Agent for 

The Territory of N Mexico 

[CALHOUN TO BROWN.'] 

No. 49. 

Indl\n Agency 

Santa Fe, New Mexico 

March 25th 1850 
Sir, 

I had the honor to receive your connnunication of the 28th of 
December last, on the afternoon of the 18th inst. In relation to the 

1 O. L A., Santa F6 Agency, C 460. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 171 

fate of Mrs "WHiite, you have, long before this, received my letters 
detailing the facts as they were made known to me. I have also, 
given you the intelligence brought to me by my agents sent out to the 
Utahs and Apaches, as to the probable fate of Mrs White's daugh- 
ter, The two agents, Auguste Lacome and Encarnacion Garcia, 
made to me similar reports, the first from the Utahs, and the latter 
from the Apaches, the two tribes in Lodges six hundred miles apart, 
and I scarcely entertain a doubt as to the murder of the daughter on 
the same day that the mother was murdered. But, as it is within 
the limits of possibility the statements made by the Indians to my 
Agents, originated in a design to stop further enquiries concerning 
the child, I shall seize every possible opportunity to procure precise 
and more authentic information. 

Not one word of information concerning Mrs White's colored 
female servant, has reached me; and it is hoped she lives, and may 
be recovered. That an approach to truth, in relation to this horrible 
tragedy, may be brought to light. 

Allow me to express my gratification that my efforts in this matter, 
as I have detailed them to yon, have met with the approbation of 
the Department of the Interior. 

I trust you will pardon me for addressing a few words more to you 
upon this painful subject. I have noticed in several straggling news- 
papers, published in the United States in December and January 
last, various statements in relation to the efforts made here for the 
rescue of Mrs White and her daughter, in Avhich the shadow of a 
truth is not discernable — Without intending the slightest disrespect 
to the citizens of Santa Fe, or to the friends of the murdered. I 
desire to say. there was no public meeting held on the occasion — there 
was no reward of one thousand dollars offered, except the one offered 
by me— nor have I ever heard of Indians or others being sent out 
for the purpose of attempting the rescue of the captives, except the 
military effort by order of Col. Munroe, and the agents sent out by 
myself, precisely as I have, from time to time, advised you — and I 
must add, until the untruthful publications, to which I have alluded, 
met my eye, I had not heard one word as to the " active but fruitless 
search made over a large extent of country for the body of Mrs 
White ", by persons belonging to the " main train ", at the "' Point 
of Rocks"; nor was it known here, that "a small party, composed 
principally of those who had arrived in the train, was immediately 
organized and started back on the search after the fabulous meeting 
of the citizens of Santa Fe. 

These unfounded Statements arc some what annoying to me, because 
they are of a character to mislead the public mind, if not designed for 
that purpose — Indeed, it is my opinion these untruthful publications 
were intended to awaken an unjust censure against your Indian Agent 



172 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

here, and the militar}^ authorities of this territory, and I affirm, that 
no efforts were made, for the rescue of Mrs White and her daughter, 
to the best of my knowledge and beleif , except those made by the two 
aforesaid authorities. 
I am, 

With great respect, 

Your obt. servt. 

J. S. Calhoun 

Ind. Agt. 
OrTxAndo Brown Esqr 

CoTYw. of Ind. A-ffs. 

Washington City 

D. C 

[CALHOUN TO BROWN.>] 

No. 50. 

Indl^n Agency 
Santa Fe, New Mexico 

March Wth. 1850. 
Sir. 

Herewith, I return the Section of a map ^ of New Mexico, which 
you enclosed to me on the 28th day of last December. You will find 
marked in this way [o], the various Indian Pueblos located in this 
territory upon the Section of Country which the map represents — It 

that 
may be well to remember there are two Indian Pueblos below 

30 
El Paso, Isletta & Socorro — and Zuiii, an Indian Pueblo 88. miles 
N. W. of Laguna — Of course, neither of these three Pueblos could be 
marked upon the map. Beyond Zuni, west, perhaps one hundred and 
fifty miles, the Moqui countiy is reached — These Indians live in 
Pueblos, cultivate the soil to a limited extent, and raise horses. Mules, 
Sheep and goats, and, I am informed, manufacture various articles — 
I^^I am extremely anxious to visit these Indians ; but it would be 
unsafe to do so, without a sufficient escort, as the Apaches are upon 
the left, and the Navajos on the right in travelling from Zufii to the 
Moquies — The Pueblo Indians, all, are alike entitled to the favorable 
and early consideration of the Government of the U. S. My infonna- 
tion concerning the Moqui Indians is not of a character to justify me 
in making suggestions in reference to an Agent, or agents, further 
than to say. without an absolute examination by some one deputed 
for that purpose, information, precise and reliable, may not be looked 



> O. I. a., Santa F4 Agency, C 462. 

2 See p. 95 and map (No. 2) in pocket. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 173 

for. I shall, therefore, confine my remarks to the Pueblos of Zuni — 
Socorro, and Isletta, and those marked upon the accompanying Map — 

In relation to the extent of territory belonging to each Pueblo, 
nothing is definitely known, and can only be settled by instituting 
such a commission as was recommended by the President in his 
annual message — The lands are held under Spanish and Mexican 
Grants, and the boundaries of the original grants have been, from 
time to time, enlarged to meet the wants of these Catholic Indians — 
They claim that this whole territory originally belonged to them, 
and that their Supreme Government was in Santa Fe; but after the 
Conquest, this place was taken from them, and their limits fixed 
by authority of the conquering Government — The general opinion 
is, not one of the Pueblos have a square of less than eight miles and a 
half on each side — In addition to this, it is said, many of them 
have bought other lands near their Pueblos, and perhaps others are 
planting on unappropriated lands — There are a few Mexican Vil- 
lages built, without doubt, upon lands granted to Pueblos, and 
there are various law suits pending between Pueblos, and Mexicans 
& Pueblos as to the right of the parties to certain lands. These 
Law Suits ought to be quieted without delay, or serious and bloody 

that 
consequences will result — I must further add additional grants 

of land may be necessary for these Indians, and it should be given 
to them liberally, near where they are now located, if vacant public 
lands should be found there; i^" for it will not do to agitate the 
Subject of their removal at this time; and it would be as dangerous 
to the public tranquility to compel them to a repugnant association 
with the people of New Mexico, as Citizens of the State or terri- 
tory — Either would produce a bloody contest at this time. 

You will notice on the returned map, that I have marked, with 
some approach to accuracy the Seven Counties of this territory, as 
organized. The four great tribes, the Apaches, Comanches, Navajos 
and Utahs, make frequent incursions into these counties— All east, 
west, north and south of the outer lead and red ink lines, is regarded 
as Indian Country — On the east side of the Arkansas, the Arapahoes, 
Cheyennes, Kioways, and other roving Indians are to be found. 
These Indians are frequently on the west side of said river, hunting, 
trading, and uniting with the Indians of this territory in their 
War and robberies against the people of the U. S. and Mexico. 

The apparent dividng line between the Apaches and Utahs, com- 
mences on the Rio del Norte, about latitude 37°. The lands N. E. 
& E. from this point, between the pencil and red ink lines, to the 
Arkansas, is accorded to the Jicarillas, a band of Apaches well 
mixed with Utah blood — Occasionally, every tribe of Indians are to 



174 COEEESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

and South 
be found in this region — East of the said lead and red 

ink lines, the Apaches first, and then the Comanches are found. I 
have had no means of ascertaining the supposed dividing line between 
these two ti-ibes — The Comanches are chiefly South of the Apache 

East of the Rio del Norte, 
district and between it and the State 

of Texas — The strip of country runing South from the County of 
San Miguel del Bado, known as the Apache country, is not less 
than three hundred miles wide — Not an inch of the Comanche coun- 
try is to be found upon the returned map, although I have written 
upon an outer edge the word " Comanches " for the purpose of 
showing the direction of their localities — West of the Rio del Norte 
on both sides of the supposed line between the United States and 
Mexico, is the Apache country proper, in my opinion; and they 
claim the country west to the Pimo Village, and North West to the 
Moqui country; and west of the Pueblo of Zuiii, and between that 
place and the Moqui country, the Apaches think they are bounded 
north by the Navajos — Thus it will be seen, they claim to possess, 
and certainly roam over three fourths of a circle in and around the 
territory of New Mexico — 

The Navajo country is west beyond the lines of the Counties of 
Bernalillo, Santa Anna, and Rio Arri\ a to, and perhaps passing the 
Rio Colorado, and running north as far as latitude 37° or 38°. All 
west of the Rio del Norte, not included in either of the counties of 
this territory, as organized, nor included in the Navajo country, to 
the very foot of the Sierra Nevada, and between the Navajo country 
and the Great Salt Lake, north, is called the Utah country — 

You will perceive, ujDon the map as marked, there is but very 
little of the Navajo country, less of the Utahs, and none whatever 
of the Comanches, but an immense strip claimed by the Apaches^ 
that 

Let me remark the Pah Utahs, who inhabit the country East 

of the Sierra Nevada, are Utahs proper, benumbed by cold, and 
enfeebled, intellectually and j)bysically, by the food upon which 
they subsist, it consisting only of roots, vermin, insects of all kinds, 
& every thing that creeps, crawls, swims, flies or bounds, they may 
chance to overtake — And when these resources fail them, and they 
can find no Stranger, they feed upon their own children — Such a 
people should not be permitted to live within the limits of the United 
States, and must be elevated in the scale of human existence, or 
exterminated — These people never approach the confines of civili- 
zation unless they are called upon by their more adventurous and 
warlike brethren — 



COERESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 175 

I have seized several occasions to convey to you my opinions in 
reference to the Apaches, Comanches, Navajos & Utahs, four great 
tribes, who occupy, or claim, immense regions of Country belonging 

that 
to the United States — I may be pardoned for repeating each 

with 
of these tribes, should be compelled to remain in certain fixed 

limits — 

A square, each side of which, shall measure fifty miles in length, 
if properly selected, would be ample, — infinitely more than can be 

equal number of 
necessary to subsist these, or any other people. 

For a time, a generous liberality should be meted out to them, and 
they should be instructed in agricultural pursuits — 

For a time also, you would have to feed all but the Navajos — they 
can take care of themselves — Implements of husbandry, however, 
should be given to them — 

No Indian tribe should be located nearer than one hundred miles 

of the line of Mexico — I have no reference here to Pueblo Indians — 

These suggestions, if adopted, would require corresponding and 

appropriate military dispositions, of which, it is not my privilege to 

speak, when it may be avoided with propriety — 

In reference to Agents — their proper locations, numbers and neces- 
I intend to record my views 
sary expenditures &c &c. in a letter 

which I propose writing on to-morrow — 
With great respect. 

Your obt. Servt 

J. S. Calhoun 

Ind Agt 
Orlando Brown Esqr. 

Comr, of Ind. Afs. 

Washington City 

D. G. 

[CALHOUN TO BBOWN.^] 

No. 51. 

Indian Agency 
Santa Fe, New Mexico 

March 30th 1850 

Sir, 

Having, as accurately as possible with the limited knoAvledge 
which I have been able to command, marked upon the section of a 

iQ. I. A.. Santa F6 Agency, 461. 



176 COKRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

map which you enclosed to me on the 28th of December last the vari- 
ous locations of the Pueblo and other Indians who were entitled to 
a place on said map, and made explanatory remarks, in my letter of 
yesterday's date (No 50) concerning all other Indians of this terri- 
tory, I proceed to place before you my views in relation to Agents, 
subagents, their proper locations, their Salaries and expenditures 
generally. 

In the first place, let me state, What is considered liberal pay and 
expenditures on account of Indian Agents and agencies already 
established by law in the United States, would be utterly insufficient 
in this territory — This fact will be established by reference to the 
Quarter Master's and Commissary's returns from this place. 

In travelling through this territory, you can not safely travel 
alone, and when in the Indian country, an escort is absolutely neces- 
sary ; and at all times, in visiting the Pueblos, and most of the Mexi- 
can places, you will suffer if you do not take with you a Cook, Cook- 
ing Utensils, Subsistence, Forage, Tents, and all necessary trans- 
portation. Cooking Utensils must be brought from the U. S. 

There is no place in this territory, where it is not absolutely nec- 
cessary to "corral", watch and guard everything you may have in 
your possession — Even in this city, where Sentinels are posted to 
guard corrals, horses are frequently stolen from them. 

I adhere to my original opinion, that there should be a subagent, 
for the present, at each Indian Pueblo, twenty in number, not includ- 
ing Nambe or Tesuque, near Santa Fe, which might be left to the 
care of the Agency that may be established in this city. 

To support such subagencies would require — 

Salary $1000. 

House rent & wood 300. 

Interpreter 300. 

Rations for Interpreter 125. 



$1725. 

20 Pueblos 



$34, 500 
Implements of Husbandry for 22 Pueblos, ea $200. 4,400 

$38, 900 

The implements should be distributed under the direction of a 
General Agent, or Superintendent, as some of the Pueblos would 
require more than the $200, and others less — 

If the Government of the U. S. should deem it advisable to divide 
the Pueblos into Districts, I would then submit, an examination of 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 



177 



the marked map, will show there should be Eight Divisions — as fol- 
lows — 



1 Dist. 



4th Dist. 



7 Dist. 



Taos. 


Cochiti. 




Laguna, 


Picuritz. 


S. Domingo. 
' S. Felipe. 
Sandia. 




.\coma. 


2(1 dist. 


5 dist. 




8 dist. 


San Juan. 


Isletta. 
Leutis. 




Zufii. 


Popiaque. 






Santa Clara 








San Ildefonso. 








3 dist. 


Below El Paso. 




You will perceive I make 




6th dist. 




no arrangements for the 
Moqui Indians. 


fJemez. 


Socorro. 






Silla (orCia). 


Isletta. 






iSauta Ana. 








To support each division, I would recommend, 


Salary for an Agent 






$1500. 


Interpreter 






600 


House rent and stabling 






300 


Forage for three horses 


or mules 




525 


Horse Shoeing 






50. 


Hostler 






180. 


Rations 






120. 




$3275 
8 




$26, 200 


Implements for 22 Pueblos, including Nambe 


and 


Tesuque — $200 ea. 4,400 



$30, 600 



Note. (Horses $350 ea. aggregate $33,400. 

This arrangement exhibits an apparent saving of $8,300. 



But to 

secure the tranquility of the Territory, which is certainly menaced, 
and to stimulate and properly direct the labor of the Pueblo Indians, 
the first plan is recommended as the most preferable — Adopt either 
plan, and in a year or two, you might with propriety consolidate 
these Agencies so as to diminish the expences nearly one half — But 
this can not be done with propriety until order and perfect quiet is 
firmly established in this territory. The Indians are far from being 
contented, as I have advised you in my former letters, and unless 
they are properly protected and watched over, you may prepare for 
an outbreak at no distant day. 
5021—15^—12 



X/8 COERESPOJNDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

In reference to my second plan, you will observe, I have estimated 
for Forage for three animals, and they are necessary to enable the 
Agent to visit the Pueblos of his District — Eemember he must pack 
his provisions, bedding &c &c. I have not estimated for the value of 
these animals, which can not be less than $350. for each District. So 
far as the Head Quarters of the Agent is concerned, within his Dis- 
trict, I would, at this time, leave him to select the place, or commit 
it to the discretion of Agent a Superintendent. 

Having disposed of the Pueblo Indians upon the best and most 
economical terms that I can conscientiously suggest, I shall proceed 
to submit my views in relation to the wild Indians, the Apaches, 
Comanches, Navajos and Utahs. These Indians, including their 
various independent Bands, I take it for granted, must be located and 
confined within certain fixed limits and there compelled to remain, 
and to build up Pueblos and cultivate the soil. I do not recommend 
that these four tribes should be located near each other. It is pos- 
sible the Apaches and Comanches might be located in adjoining dis- 
tricts, and in like manner, the Navajoes and Utahs. If so, two 
Agents to be located at a Central Military post would be sufficient — 
otherwise, you must have four — each to be located at a Military Post, 
for which I submit the following estimate. 
Salary for Agent $1500. 

" " Interpreter 600. 

Forage for 2 Horses 375, 

Horse Shoeing , 35. 

Hostler 180. 

Rations 120. 



2S10 



Incidental expences for the 1st year to secure shelter for Agent, 

Interpreter. Hostler and 2 animals 600 



$3, 410. 

4 tri 



$13, 640. 
I have not estimated the value of the 2 horses — which would in- 
crease the aggregate of each Agency $250. $3660 

1st year 

$14, 640 

For the first twelve months, if these Indians are confined to fixed 
limits, and required to build Pueblos and cultivate the Soil, you 
would be obliged to contribute largely to the support of the Apaches, 
Comanches, and Utahs — You would have to send men among 
them 

to teach them the use of agricultural implements, which should 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 179 

be furnished to them, and also, to direct their labor in building of 
Pueblos. To accomplish these things successfully will require an 
appropriation of one hundred thousand dollars, to be expended un- 
der the direction of the President of the United States, or the Secre- 
tary of the Interior. 

To establish order in this territory, j^ou must either submit to 
these heavy expenditures, or or exterminate the mass of these In- 
dians. After the present year, I would recommend the employ- 
ment 

of Blacksmiths for these Indians, and for the Pueblos. 
I do not think presents should be given to Indians of this territory 
except in the Shape of food, and implements of husbandry. They 
should be taught at once to rely upon their own industry, not only 
for the luxuries of life, which they should be taught to appreciate, 
but for all that is necessary for their personal wants and com- 

that 
forts — to that end, they should be made to know the food which 

it is proposed to furnish to them, was intended to subsist them only 
until they could make one crop, and no longer. 

If a Superintendency of Indian Affairs is established, I submit 
the following estimates for its support. 

1st Year. 2ncl Year 

Salary of Superinteudent $2000. $2000. 

Secretary 1200. 1200 

Interpreter $600. Board of Interpr. 600.1 600 

while in Santa Fe 200 ( . 200 

Rents for House & Stables 600. 600 

2 Horses & 6 mules 850. 000 

Forage 1600 1600 

Horse Shoeing 100. 100 

Hostler 300 1 300 

Board 120} 120 

1 W.-iggon & Harness 150. 000 

1st Year $7,720 .2nd Year 6,720 

To which s-hould hs added $1000. for contingencies, in paying 
guides, runners, and subsisting Indians & their horses during their 
visits to the Superintendency. 

It must be known to you, that our expenses are heavier in Santa Fe, 
than in any other place in the territory. At present m}^ rent account 
is $70 per month. Corn is worth, at this time, $2 per bushel — Shoeing 
of a horse $4.00— Sugar 50^ per lb. Coffee 37^^, lumber, $65. pr. M. 
Bacon & Lard, none except at the Commissary's — Beef, exceedingly 
poor and course, 8^- pr lb — a Shoat not weighing more than CO to 75 
lbs $8 to 10$— chickens from 25^ to 50^ each— Turkeys from $1 to 
$2.00. The necessaries of life, such as we have been accustomed to 



180 COKRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

in the States, and the delicacies & luxuries which we require must all 
be brought from the U. S. For expenditures on account of rents, 
pay of Interpreters, Teamsters, forage &c &c, I, again, refer you to 
the returns of the Quarter Master and Conunissary of this Depart- 
ment — Had not the commissary sold me subsistence on the same terms 
he is authorized to sell to officers of the Army, and had the Quarter 
Master refused to furnish me with transportation and forage, I 
should utterly have failed to have discharged my duties in this terri- 
tory. In addition to my salary, $1,500 — before the end of my first 
year, I shall have expended, necessarily of my own private funds, about 
$1500 more — The expenditures of the second year will not be so great, 
and as the country becomes quiet and settled, will continue to 
diminish, but can never fall to the reasonable limits assigned to 

that 
them in the States — Hence the suggestion, what would be con- 

sidered quite liberal in the United States, b«fe would be wholly 
inadequate in this Territory — 

I have to remark the Superintendent should be required to visit 
every Agency, twice a 3'ear, if possihle — and ascertain from personal 
observations, the true State and condition of each Agency, and the 
necessary wants of the Indians attached to such Agencies, 

The following recapitulation is made in order that the heavy ex- 
penditures which I recommend, may be examined as a whole. 
1st plan for Pueblos $.38, 900 —2d plan, iucliuling 

" " the four Horses. $33, 400. 

wild tribes • 14, 640. 2d plan. 7, 320. 

Food for one year 100,000. " " 100,000 

Superintendeucy 7, 720. " " 7, 720 



For the 1st Year. 




$161. 260 




$148, 440 


Less 2nd year — 










Food appropriation 




$100, o<:)0 






Horses for Pueblo Dists 




2, 800. 






" for Wild Ind. Agencies 


1, 000. 






Horses & Waggon for Super 


intendent 


1,000 


104, 800 






$104. 800 


104, 800 



Expenditures for 2d year $56,460— $43,640 

When we take into view our obligations to Mexico, as they are 
recorded in the treaty of 1848, our obligations to establish good gov- 
ernments, and to protect the lives and property of every Citizen, we 
can not, we must not, be influenced by doUars and cents — Who would 
not, most willingly, have prefered to have heard that the Govern- 
ment of the U, S, had ordered an expenditure of $50,000 or $100,000, 
rather than to have heard of the butchery of poor White, his wife, 
daughter and friends? 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 181 

Again, remember the vast demands that will be made upon the 
Government of the United States, by Mexico, and Citizens of this 
territory in consequence of Indian depredations — These evils can be 
quieted only, by the minor, and humane expenditures which I have 

to enquire 
recommended — I do not stop by the way as to what re- 

turn may be expected from the sale of Public Lands — that is not a 
question that should weigh an atom in the consideration of this Sub- 
ject — Our duties should be discharged honestly and faithfully, and 
a proper economy, and a becoming liberality should be observed. 

I trust to be pardoned for the frank manner in which I communi- 
cate my views — It is my custom ; and I should feel very awkward if 
I did not record them just in the shape in which they occur to me; 
and they are based upon the supposition, that the Government of the 
United States will select Agents competent, and perfectly willing, 
to discharge their duties honestly and faithfully — The converse of 
this supposition will readily occur to reflecting minds; and to the 
proper departments, I commit the subject. 
I have the honor to be. 

Your very obt. servt. 

J. S. Calhoun 

Indian Agt 
P. S. 

I beg to refer you to my No. 24. dated November I7th 1849, on the 
subject of expenditures in Santa Fe. 

J. S. C. 
Orlando Brown Esqr. 

Comr. of Ind Affs. 

Washington City 

D. G 

[CALHOUN TO BKOWN.*] 

[No. 52] 

Indian Agency, 
Santa Fe, New Mexico, March 31, 1850. 
Sir: I have the honor to advise you that four Mexican captives 
were delivered to me, on Friday the 22d inst., and from them I gather 
the following facts. 

1. Refugio Picaros, about twelve years of age, was taken from a 
Rancho, called Papascal, near St. Jago, State of Durango, Mexico, 
two years ago, by the Comanches, who immediately sold him to the 
Apaches, and with them he lived and roamed, on both sides of the 
Rio del Norte, until January last, when he was hought by Jose Fran- 

1 Annual Report, Commissioner of Indian Affairs, 1850, pp. 105-106. This letter Is not 
on file in the Indian Office but from the entry In L. R. No. 37 under date of June 8, 1850, 
I Infer it is No. 52 of the series. 



182 CORRESPONDEJSrCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

cisco Lucero, a Mexican, residing at the Moro, in this territory. He 
eays, the purchase was made at the Coro Carmel, about two days 
travel east from the Rio del Norte, and four knives, one plug of 
tobacco, two fanegas of corn, four blankets, and six yards of red 
Indian cloth, were paid for him. He has no father or mother alive, 
but has brothers and sisters. 

2. Teodora Martel, ten or twelve years of age, was taken from the 
service of Jose Alvardo, at La Popes, near Saltillo, Mexico, by 
Apaches, two years ago, and has remained the greater portion of the 
time on the west side of the Rio del Norte. He was bought by Powler 
Sandoval, who also resides at the Moro ; from the Apaches at Ague 
Asule, near the Pecos river, in this territory, in February last. The 
payment for him was one mare, one rifle, one shirt, one pair of 
drawers, thirty small packages of powder, some bullets, and one 
buffalo robe. The hoy was claimed by Diego Sandoval, from whom 
I received him. He knows of no relations. 

3. Caudalans Galope, about twelve years of age, was seized by the 
Apaches, he thinks, four years ago, at the Rancho Fernandez, near 
Santa Cruz, Mexico. He is unable to name the State in which Santa 
Cruz is situated. Two brothers and sisters of his were taken at the 
same time, and he supposes they are yet with the Apaches. His 
father and mother were alive at the time he was captured. He was 
bought from the Apaches, in January or February last, by Vincente 
Romero, of the Moro, at a place called Lo Cerro Queso, perhaps " Ei 
Cerro del Queso," east of the Rio del Norte, in this territory. Price 
paid was some corn and tobacco, one knife, one shirt, one mule, one 
small package of powder, and a few balls. 

Rosalie Taveris, about twenty-five years of age, resided in Mon- 
clova, and was captured in November last, by a band of Apaches and 
Comanches, within two days travel of M-onclova. Her husband, San- 
tiago Costellan, and her daughter, four j'^ears old, were killed at that 
time. Her mother, Etuedas Guerris, lives in Monclova. She is 
known to Don Miguel Corteues, and Don Ramon Moseus, and was 
bought from the Apaches by Powler Sandoval, of the Moro, at Cerro 
Queso, in January last, who paid for her two striped blankets, ten 
yards blue cotton drilling, ten yards calico, ten j^ards cotton shirting, 
two handkerchiefs, four plugs of tobacco, one bag of corn, and one 
knife. She is quite an intelligent woman; says that the band by 
whom she was cajDtured consisted of about fifty Indians, who seized 
at the same time eight other captives, strangers to her, and all but 
two, who sickened and died (perhaps killed), were brought from 
Mexico into this territory with her. She states there are a great 
number of captives, at and near La Cerro Queso, that all the men 
who are captured are killed ; that parties of Apaches and Comanches 
are constantly going out and coming in with horses, mules, sheep, 



COKKESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 183 

goats, COWS, goods, money, and captives, and while at La Queso, she 
saw the clothing of an xVmerican man and boy, whom the Apaches 
said the}" had killed. 

These captives complain of very cruel treatment, the woman espe- 
cially, who says she was spared but one humiliation. 

Encarnacion Garcia, and the indiA'idiials from whom I received the 
captives, confirm in general terms the foregoing statements, but pro- 
test no munitions of war were paid for them. I give full credit to 
the statements of the captives. The Mexicans from whom I received 
the captives will claim to have paid more than is stated above, and 
without doubt, can prove any statement they may mahe. The trad- 
ing in captives has been so long tolerated in this territory, that it 
has ceased to be regarded as a wrong; and purchasers are not pre- 
pared willingly to release captives without an adequate ransom. In 
legislating upon this subject, it should be distinctly set forth under 
what circumstances captives shall be released, and limiting the expen- 
ditures that may be incurred thereb3\ Unless the Mexicans are paid 
for such captives as they have purchased, and have now in possession, 
but very few of them will be released; nor will it answer well to 
allow captives to make their election as to a release, for their submis- 
sion to their masters is most perfect, and they are well instructed as 
to proper replies to interrogatories. 

That a proper economy may be observed in releasing captives, some 
arrangement should be made for their early return to Mexico, or to 
some authorized agent of Mexico, who might reside at El Paso, or 
in Santa Fe. 

It is presumed, should treaties be made with the Apaches and 
Comanches, they will be required to deliver up all captives, free of 
charge, and all stolen property that they may at the time have in 
their possession. Many of the captives belong to this territory, and 
such of course will be turned over to their relatives. But until this 
can be accomplished, they must be clothed and fed, and stolen prop- 
erty must be taken care of, and disposed of. Expenditures in both 
cases must be incurred, and should be provided for. The law to be 
passed by Congi-ess for the release of captives, under the late treaty 
with Mexico, will, without doubt, contain suitable provisions for their 
subsistence and clothing. Those that I have on hand, I am clothing 
and feeding, and respectfully ask for instructions in the premises. 

I may, in conclusion, mention that there are a number of Indian 
captives held as slaves in this territory, and some congressional action 
may be necessary in relation to them ; and I respectfully submit the 
question for appropriate consideration. 

I am, with great respect, your obed't serv't, 

J. S. Calhoun, 

Orlando Brown, Esq., Indian Agt. 

Corner Ind. AJfs, Washiiigton City, D. C. 



184 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 



[CALHOUN TO BROWN/] 

No. 53. 

[CRAWFORD TO CALHOUN.'] 

War Department 

Washi7igton. April 8th 1850 
Calhoun, James S. Esqr. 

Santa Fe' 
New Mexico. 
Sir, 

I have received your letter of the 31st of January with the enclosed 
statements of Lieutenants Thomas and Judd. 

The President has uniformly declined to take action on any of the 
numerous applications which have been presented to him by, and in 
behalf of officers claiming brevets. During the present session the 
views of the Executive have been submitted to Congress, looking to 
some modification of the law in relation to brevets, and until the 
result shall be known, I apprehend that no nominations will be 
made. Your letter and its enclosures can, therefore, only be filed 
for consideration whenever the subject shall be taken up. 
Very respectfully, Your Obt Serv 

Geo W. Crawford 

Secretary of War, 

[CALHOUN TO MUNROE.'] 



Sir 



Indian Agency Santa Fe. 
New Mexico April 8th 1850 



I have, at this Agency, four Mexican Captives which I supposed 
my duty required me to take charg of under the 11th Article of the 
Treaty of 1848, by the United States and Mexico 1st Refocio Pisaros, 
a boy about 12 years of age taken from a Rancho (papaschal) near 
St lago. State of Durango, Mexico, by the Comanche Indians, who 
immediately sold him to the Apaches. Pie supposes he has been a 
captive about two years, and had Brothers and Sisters alive when he 
was captured. 

1 Not on file in the Indian Office. This is the entry for it in O.I. A.,L. R.No.37: 



O. L A. 


Calhoun, James S. 


Encloses his account &c for 


Finance. 


Santa F4 


Santa Fd 


1st quarter 1850. 




464 


April 1, 1850 


Submits explanations rela- 






(No. S3) 


tive to expenditures. 





Acct to 2nd Audi- 
tor 
4th October 1850. 



sa. G. O., M. B., No. so, pp. 125-126. 
^.Accompanying No. 54. 



COKKESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 185 

2nd Teodoro Martel, abaut 12 years of age, taken from the service 
of one Jose Ahardo, at La popo, near Saltillo Mexico, by Apaches, 
about two years ago. He knows nothing of relations 

3d Candalaris Talope, about 12 years of age, was seized by the 
Apaches he thinks, about four year ago, at the Rancho Fernandez; 
near Santa Cruz Mexico, but knows nothing of the States. His 
father and mother were alive at the time he was captured, and resided 
as stated above. 

4th Rosalie Toreves, about 25 years of age, resided in Monclova 
Mexico. She was seized in the month of November last, about two 
days travil from Moncolva, by Apaches, who at the time killed her 
hunband, Santiago Casteyaro, and her daughter four years of age. 
Her mother Etrudes Trurris, lives in Monclova. She says, she is 
known to Don Miguel Cartenes, Don Romore Moscus, and many 
others in Monclova. She is quite an intelligent woman. 

I am without specific instructions in relation to the proper disposi- 
tion of Captives, nor am I advised of the appointment of an "Agent " 
by Mexico, as contemplated by the 11th article before alluded to. 
Until such instructions shall be received from the Government of 
the United States, I submit the matter for your advice and direction, 
I take leave most respectfully, to suggest if the Mexican Authorities 
should be pleased to designate and authorize an Agent to receive 
Captives here or at El Paso, their release and return might be more 
speedy and economical, and carry out the humane intention that 
dictated the 11th Article of the Treaty. 
I have the honor to be 

Your very obt servt. 



John Munroe, 

Mil i 

Santa Fe, New Mexico. 



J. S. Calhoun 

Ind. Agt. 



Civil <& Mil Governor, 



[CALHOUN TO BROWN.^] 

No 54 

Indian Agency 
Santa Fe, New Mexico 

ApHl IJith, 1850 
Sir, 

The accompanying copy of a note ^ addressed to Governor Munroe 
on the 8th inst. is forwarded for the information of the Department. 

1 O. I. A., Santa F^ Agency, C 465. 

2 See p. 184. 



186 COEEESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

The note will sufficiently explain the object I desire to accomplish, 
and was induced by enquiries which the Governor addressed to me. 

I understand an official communication was received a short time 
since by the chief of this Department from Chihuahua, enquiring 
concerning 

certain captives that we have heard nothing of. A copy 
of the letter mentioned above, I have reason to suppose, was trans- 
mitted to the official authorities of Chihuahua by order of Governor 
Munroe, in replying to the official enquiries addressed to him in rela- 
tion to Captives. 

I have the honor to be. 

Your very obt. servt. 

J. S. Calhoun 

Ind. Agt 
Orlando Brown Esqr. 

Comr. of Ind. Affs 

Washington City 
D.C. 

[CALHOUN TO BROWN.'] 

No. 55. 

Indian Agency, 
Santa Fe, New Mexico. 

April 15th, 1850. 
Sir, 

Two mails have, recently, been received here, bringing a few letters 
and News-papers from the United States to as late a period as the 
1st of March ; but I have nothing from you of a later date than the 
28th of December last. Our frequent disappointments in relation to 
intelligence from Washington, have not quieted our anxieties, and it 
is utterly impossible for the good people of the States fully to appre- 
ciate the painful incertitude of our existence in this territory. A 
rumor has not reached us in relation to the purposes of Congress for 
the defence of the people of this territory, our Indian Affairs, gen- 
erally, or the mail facilities that may be granted to us. 

Hostile Indians have been somewhat active since the 1st of the 
present month — On the 7th inst. they drove off from near Kayada, a 
farm some forty miles South east from Taos, and twenty or thirty 
west from the Moro, a large number of animals — They were pursued 
by eight or ten Dragoons, as I am informed, overtaken and nearly all 
the Stock recovered — Five Indians were killed, and one severely 
wounded — The only loss sustained by the Dragoons was one horse 
Killed. 

1 0. I. A-> Santa F6 Agency, C 467, 



I 



COERESPONDENCE OP JAMES S. CALHOUN. 187 

We hear of other incursions and depredations between this and El 
Paso. 

General Choice who is at Abiquin watching the Utah Indians, in- 
forms me they continue to send him friendly messages, affecting 
an anxiety to be at perfect peace with all people, and to be placed 
under the immediate direction and protection of the Government of 
the United States. They are beginning to break up their encamp- 
ment, and travel to the mountains as the snow disappears. The Nava- 
jos frequently send in friendly messages, and add, they are afraid to 
come in. 

We have had no later intelligence than I have already given you, 
in relation to the encampment of Apaches and Comanches near the 
Cerro Gaudalupe. 

These roving Indians can not be properly disposed of until the 
Government of the United States shall mark out its policy in ref- 
erence to them, and afford the means to execute it. 

The Pueblo Indians continue to make known their grievances. 

suits 
Vexatious and, frequently, unjust are brought by Alcaldes, in 

this City, against Indians who are in the habit of visiting this City — 
During the past week, I was compelled to employ counsel for them, 
or permit the Governor of the Pueblo of Tesuque to be unjustly 
punished and fined — At my request Major R. H. Weightman at- 
tended the trial, which lasted two days, and resulted in the acquital 
of the Governor, to the manifest chagrin of the Alcalde. 

I have requested Major Weightman ^ to attend to all such cases, 
and he has consented to do so, and I can not do less than earnestly to 
recommend that some provision be made to compensate him, liberally, 
for his services. 

Pardon me for again urging the instituting of a Judicial Com- 
mission for the immediate adjustment of all Indian titles to land — 
The Pueblos have been wronged in this matter, and are annoyed by 
the Judicial tribunals of this territory. I hesitate not to say, the 
Judges and Alcaldes should be instructed to suspend all civil actions 
in their courts against the Pueblo Indians. 
I am, 

With great respect. 

Your obt servt. 



Orlando Brown Esqr. 

Gomr. of. Ind. Ajfs. 

Washington City 

D. G. 



J. S. Calhoun 

Ind. Agt 



See Twitchell, Military Occupation of New Mexico, pp. 381-394. 



188 COERESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

[CALHOUN TO BROWN.'] 

No. 56. 

Las Vegas. 
New Mexico 
April W, 1850. 
'Sir, 

Last night the Indians, it is said, made several attacks upon in- 
dividuals near this place, killed some herders, and drove of Stock. 
Troops under command of Lt. Burnside, are now mounting for the 
purpose of enquiring into the facts, and pursuing the Indians. 

Col. Washington ^ and others left this morning for the States and 
in a few moments I leave for Santa Fe. 
With great respect, 



I am, 

Your obt. servt. 



J. S. Calhoun 

hidian Agent 



Orlando Brown Esqr 

Gomr. (&c &c 

Washington City 

D. C. 

[Related Correspondence.] 

[munroe to freeman.^] 

Head Quarters 9 Mil. Dept: 
Santa Fe' N. M° Mar. 15, 1850. 
Sib, 

I have heretofore represented the Insufficiency of the Calvalry Force in this 
Department for the services required of it & would now state that if any are to 
be withdrawn without or before being replaced by others I apprehend the most 
serious consequences. 

It will be impossible with any number of Troops to prevent the Depredations 
of the Indians but the knowledge that we have a respectable active force will 
from apprehensions of retaliation keep them within some Limit in their preda- 
tory aggressions whereas if we are reduced to the numbers contemplated even 
the military Posts will not be free from Insult. 

From these considerations I trust that the Commanding General will not 
disapprove of my retaining the three companies of the 1st Dragoons until I can 
receive his further orders on the subject which I presume will be as early as 
any movement of Cavalry should be made across the plains. 

Bvt Major Steene's Company 1st Dragoons stationed at Doua Anna cannot 
be replaced although occupying an important position; He has asked that 

1 O. I. A., Santa F6 Agency, C 466. 

2 Touching tlifi subject of Colonel Washington, the report of Colonel Munroe is of 
Interest. 

3 A. G. O., Old Book, No. 2, pp. 29-30. 



CORKESPONDENCE OP JAMES S. CALHOUN. 



189 



when ordered in he may be permitted to march direct to his Post in place of 
taking the route via Santa Fe' & Fort Leavenworth. 

Bvt Major Grier's & the company late Eustis are mere fragments. 

Lieut. Col. Washington will leave about the 10th proximo, I propose giving 
him as an Escort the Head Quarters & a portion of Lieut. Col. Bragg's Com- 
pany 3d Arty & to retain at Las Vegas until I receive your Instructions a de- 
tachment of the company of about forty men &, horses. Many of these men are 
unfit to serve on horseback but they can be replaced by others from the com- 
pany of the 3d Inftry which I recently sent to reinforce the post of Las Vegas. 

I have not received an acknowledgement of a single official communication 
written since my arrival on the 23d October last & addressed to either Wash- 
ington, New York, or Tampa Bay 



I am respectfully 

Your Very obt Servt 



Bvt Lt. Col W. G. 



Feeeman 
Asst Adjt. Genl. 

Hd Qrs Army 



John Mxjneoe 

Bvt Col. U. S. A. 

Comdg Dept. 



true copy 

L McLaws 

1 Lt 7 Infy 

AAA Ocnl. 

SlE, 

In reference to that part of my communication of the 15th which states that 
I propose sending the Head Quarters of Bvt Lt. Col : Braggs Company 3d Arty 
& retaining a detachment of it, I beg leave to say that this arrangement may 
be so modified as to send in with Col. Washington only a detachment of it 

Written from recollection of original 

Sgd J. M. 

True Copy 

L McLaws 

lLt7 Infy 

AAAGenl 



[CALHOUN TO BROWN. 

No. 57. 



1 Not on file in Indian Office, 
furnishes the following data : 



The entry in O. I. A., L. R., No. 37 for June 26, 1850, 



Calhoun, J. S., Sant 

F^, April 24, 1850, 

No. 57. 



Relative to jjolitical affairs 
in New Mexico. Enc. copy 
of proceedings of a public 
meeting of citizens & proc- 
lamation of Gov., in regard 
to election of delegates to 
a convention to form a 
State Constitution— Agent 
of Texas has returned, &c. 
Apprehends difficulty 



190 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

[BROWN TO CALHOUN.'] 

Office Indian Affairs 

April 24. 1850 
Calhoun Esq J. S. 

Santa Fe, New Mexico. 
Sir: 

Your several commimications, numbered from 18 to 30 inclusive, 
one without number, dated 25tli January last, and those from 32 to 
38 inclusive, have been duly received. 

The information contained in these reports, in relation to your 
movements and exertions, gives evidence of a degree of activity and 
zeal on your part well worthy of the commendation of the Depart- 
ment. I am satisfied you have done all in your power, and no doubt 
all that could be accomplished, under the embarassing and trying 
circumstances in which you have been placed, to preserve proper 
and peaceful relations between the Indians and the white population 
of New Mexico. This, however, must at all times — and especially 
until Congress shall have provided the requisite number of Agents 
and made other necessary provision for the proper management of 
Indian Affairs in the Territory — depend mainly upon the military. 
Such is the character of most of the Indians there, that they can 
be kept in a proper state of subjection and system of control by fear; 
though with enlarged powers and additional assistance, you could 
doubtless have accomplished much more than you have done; and 
it has been a source of constant regret on the part of the department 
that it has been unable to place you in a more advantageous position. 
Ha^^ng no power to do this, or to take any definitive action upon 
most of your many suggestions, there has been but little occasion for 
writing to you, or for giving you more particular instructions than 
those you originally received. It is sincerely to be hoped that Con- 
gress will not much longer delay making provision for the requisite 
Superintendents and Agents, and such other measures as are neces- 
sary for the proper management of our Indian relations in the new 
territories; and when this shall have been done, no time will be lost 
in endeavoring to place the affairs and operations of the Indian 
Department Avithin them upon a proper & efficient footing. 

A good beginning has been made by the treaties with the Navajoes 
and Utahs; the provisions of Avhich appear to be well considered 
and judicious. Both of these treaties have been laid before the 
President to be submitted to the Senate for its constitutional action. 
If ratified, and the requisite military force, and the necessary agents, 
are provided to compel those two tribes to observe their stipulations 
in good faith, I presume that so far as they are concerned, but little 



»0. I. A., L. B., No. 43, pp. 153-157. 



CORRESPON^DE^'CE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 191 

further will be required. It will be a leading object to effect the 
negotiation of similar treaties with all the other tribes of New 
Mexico, at as early a day as practicable ; and it is regretted that the 
attempt with respect to the Apaches failed. It is hoped that Con- 
gress will at an early day provide for the appointment of Commis- 
sioners for the purpose of making all such further treaties as may be 
necessary & expedient; to determine the proper boundaries of the 
country rightfully claimed by the different tribes, and to enter into 
conventional arrangements with them all — defining their relations 
with the United States and with each other; and, thus, to obviate, 
as far as possible, all disputes and difficulties hereafter. A bill has 
been introduced into Congress which, if it pass, will enable the 
Department to carry into effect a measure of this kind ; and as soon 
as it can be done, proper steps will be taken for the purpose of 
which you will be duly advised. As a part of the contemplated 
proceedings it is proposed to assemble all the Indians of New Mexico 
and others in that quarter, by large delegations from each, at some 
proper point, and in the presence of a considerable military force, for 
the purpose of impressing them to some extent with the power of the 
United States, and of making a general treaty with them, defining 
their relations & duties towards each other & towards the govern- 
ment. It is further proposed that a large delegation, to be composed 
of members of all the tribes, shall be organized and brought on to 
visit this place and some of our principal cities, in order still further 
to make them sensible of our greatness and strength. 

The Pueblo Indians present a curious & interesting problem; but 
I am disposed, for the reasons given by j^ou, to think that the course 
of policy which you recommend shall be pursued towards them, the 
best ; at least for the present, and if you can negotiate a treaty with 
them upon the general principles you suggest, you are authorized to 
do so ; unless you think it advisable to await the appointment of the 
contemplated Commissioners. This would probably be the best 
course, unless you are of opinion that earlier action is required, in 
consequence of the embarassing questions that are continually arising 
between the Pueblos and the whites, and the constant liability to 
difficulties of a serious character being caused by them. 

Notwithstanding the information you have furnished and the many 
suggestions jou have made — all more or less valuable — the Depart- 
ment is still at a loss with regard to making specific recommendations 
to Congress as to what would be a suitable organization for this 
branch of the service in New Mexico, and the expenditure that would 
probably be required to put into operation, and carry it out, in a 
proper and efficient manner. 

The Department is in favor of one general Superintendent to have 
the supervision and direction, under the orders of the Department. 



192 COERESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

of and over all the agents, sub agents and tribes within the territory ; 
and that this Superintendency shall not be vested in or connected 
with the governorship, as has been the case heretofore with regard to 
Indian Affairs in our newly organized territories. The disadvan- 
tages of such an arrangement and the propriety and necessity of 
independent Superintendencies, are fully discussed in my late annual 
report, and it is hoped that Congress will concur in the views therein 
expressed & make provision accordingly. 

With respect to Agents and Sub Agents, I understand you to 
recommend four of the former — one for each of the four principal 
tribes — Comanches, Apaches, Navajoes, and Utas — including all 
their amalgamated offshoots, which you suggest should be compelled 
to join and live with one or the other of the principal tribes, accord- 
ing to circumstances. Being anxious to obtain all the information 
in my power on this and other subjects connected with our Indian 
relations in New Mexico, to enable me to make a special report to 
congress, with specific recommendations as to the measures & general 
course of policy required to be adopted, I addressed a letter of en- 
quiry to the Hon. H. N. Smith, the delegate elect, asking his views 
on various points. In his reply,^ he states with reference to Agents, 
that there should be appointed at least five, " for the following five 
"tribes: viz: Comanches, Southern Apaches, Navajoes, Utahs, and 
" northern Apaches ; or, as the latter are sometimes called ; the Jicaril- 
" las. Though the last are united by Col. Calhoun, they are entirely 
" separate and distinct from any other tribe, and are preeminently 
" distinguished for their ferocity and cruelty. They infest our north- 
" ern settlements and have been a greater annoyance to New Mexico 
" than any other tribe within or surrounding our territory." As it 
is essential to have a full number of agents and better too many than 
too few be authorized, the Department is disposed to recommend to 
Congress to provide for five ; in accordance with Mr. Smith's views, 
and if it be found that there is one too many he can be dispensed 
with. 

With reference to the Pueblos, Mr Smith states that they do not 
exceed in number about 7000, and might be divided into three dis- 
tricts and an Agent appointed for each. Your estimate of their 
number is larger — over 10 000. In jour number 5 you state that the 
Pueblos may, for the present, be divided into six or seven districts 
and an Agent conveniently located in each, though in your number 4 
you suggest that there should be one for each Pueblo for the next 
year or two; which suggestion you repeat in your 37th communica- 
tion, except that you say Sub Agents instead of Agents. In your 
number 8 you state, that there are 23 Pueblos east of Zuni, and seven 
of Moquies west of that place — making, as I understand it, thirty in 

1 Smith's report and the letter of inquiry that elicited it are given on pp. 223-226. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 193 

all. An Agent, or Sub Agent for each would be a very large number, 
and greatly disproportioned, it seems to me, to the number of In- 
dians — especially as they are in a great measure civilized and are 
tractable and easily influenced and managed. In view of Mr Smiths 
recommendation and of your own, in your number 5, the Department 
IS disposed to favor the plan of arranging the Pueblos into districts, 
so far as this is practicable, with full Agents for the more important, 
and minor Agents with a somewhat less salary than the Agents for 
those of lesser importance; it being the wish of the Department to 
abolish all Sub Agencies; and where the duties and responsibilities 
are less than generally pertain to an Agency, to establish in their 
stead minor Agencies, with more liberal salaries than that of Sub 
Agent; which will not command the required character and talent. 
Between the conflicting views of Mr Smith and yourself however, I 
am at a loss to determine how many Agents in all there should be 
provided for the Pueblos; and I have no information to enable me 
to form a judgment of what should be the proportion between the 
two classes of Agencies. There are other points of difficulty by which 
I am met on the threshold in any attempt to make to Congress a 
specific report in relation to a proper organization and means neces- 
sary for the management of our Indian relations in New Mexico, and 
in reference to which early information is desirable. 

Though you have mentioned and given illustrations of the exorbi- 
tant prices of labor, provisions, materials &c in New Mexico, you 
have not stated the salary which should be allowed the Agents nor 
furnished any estimate of the probable cost of maintaining an agency, 
and all the agencies necessary, for the period of a year-^including a 
house, necessary travelling expenses, fuel, stationery and other ex- 
penses incidental and requisite to the proper performance of official 
duties. Nor has the Department any information of the number of 
interpreters that it will probably be necessary to employ perma- 
nently, what they should be allowed annually, and how much will 
probably be required for Interpreters other than those permanently 
employed. It also lacks similar information in regard to the Mechan- 
ics of different descriptions it would be expedient and advisable to 
employ for the benefit of the Indians ; and as to how far it might be 
expedient and advisable to aid and instruct them in agricultural 
operations, and the cost of the requisite employees, in stock, imple- 
ments &c. The question likewise arises, how far the present laws 
regulating trade and intercourse between the Indian tribes, which are 
not in force in New Mexico, are applicable and would be suitable to 
the Indians there and with respect to the relations between them and 
the whites. This is a question which the Department would find it 
difficult to answer from lack of the requisite information. I there- 
5021—15 l.s 



194 



COREESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 



fore beg leave to request that you will be so good as to turn your 
attention to all these points, and, as early as possible, furnish the 
Department with all, & as accurate information in relation to them, 
as may be in your power. Such a report will be of great value and 
assistance if it can be received before Congress adjourns 

O B 

I CALHOUN TO BROWN. '] 

No. 58. 

[BROWN TO CALHOUN.n 

Office Indian Affairs 

May 6 1850 
Calhoun Esq J S. 

Santa Fe, New Mexico. 
Sir: 

Your letter (No 44) of the 1st March, transmitting your accounts 
for disbursements to 31st December last, has been duly received. 

The latter will be speedily examined & referred to the accounting 
officers of the Treasury for settlement 

() B 

[CHOICE TO CALHOUN/] 

Indian Agency 
Albiquin New Mexico 

May 8th 1850. 
Col J. S. Calhoun 
Sir 

Lieut Griffin, was informed on Sunday night last by a Pueblo 
Indian, that Pedro Solisair (one of the Constables of this county,) 
had been all around the Pueblo, requesting the Mexicans to meet at 
his house, on the day of the Election for Deligates to the Conven- 
tion, — That he had some important facts to communicate. The In- 
dian understood him to say that their were a large Mexican force 
coming from Old Mexico, and he wished to know if the Mexicans 
here, would join them or the Americans. 

» Not on file in Indian Office. Tlie entry in O. I. A., L. R., No. 37, under date of July 1. Ig-W is as follows: 



July 1 

O. I. A., Santa Fe. 



Calhoun, J. S., Santa 
F^, May 2, '50 
No. 58 



States his views (in accom- 
panying papers) and what 
has been done, in regard to 
efforts made to secure 
votes of Pueblo Indians 
by designing persons, un- 
der late proclamation of 
Gov. Munroe. 



«0. I. A., L. B., No. 43, p. 187. 
• O. I. A., Santa F6 Agency, C 47 



CORRESPONDEISrCE OF JAMES S, CALHOUN. 195 

I have been vigilant ever since I received yours of tlie 26th April 
last, advising me to notice all their movements. There visits to 
my quarters for the last two or three weeks have been seldom, and 
remarked by the Officers, that it is the case with themselves. The 
greater portion of the Male population for the last three days: have 
absented themselves, I know not where to. 

In relation to the Utah Indians. On Monday morning a herds-man 
came in, stating that he had seen four Utah men and one woman 
the evening before, that they expressed friendship to him, and 
wished to know if they would be treated friendly were they to come 
in, — Consequently I employed a Mexican who speaks their language, 
to go and see them and bring them in. He went to their camp, 
but one would come. The ballance said they were afraid that they 
would be made prisenors. He states, that the Utahs sent him with 
the others, to see how they would be received, and find out if we were 
hostile towards them, that if I would send with them, one American 
and one Mexican, that all of the Chiefs would come in and have a 
talk, he states also, that portion of the tribe he belongs to, never 
had violated the treaty, it was another Part of them, that they had 
all left for the Navajoe Country, to live there never to return again. 
There were three or four of his tribe making preperation to go after 
them on the river Saint Wan [San Juan], and and induce them to 
come back, at the time he left. 

I have employed one American and one Mexican to return with 
them, with writen instructions, to ascertain the feelings of the Chiefs, 
and endeavour to get them and the whole of the tribe to come and 
have a friendly talk. I furnished the Indian with provisions to 
take him home, and ten days provisions for the two men employed, — 
They leave this morning. 

Ever}' attention was paid to the Indian. He was very much 
allarmed on his arrival, x^fter smoking and going through the usual 
forms, he soon became contented. He told his people that they had 
better come, for his father would make them a present. 

I had to give him some few articles, 
I am 

Your Obt Servt. 

(Signed) Cyrus Choice 

Ind. Agt. 

To Col J. S. Calhoun 
Ind Agent 

Santa Fe New Mexico 



196 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

[CALHOUN TO BROWIJ-.^] 

No 59. 

Indian Agency. 
Santa Fe, New Mex. 

May ]Oth 1850 
Sir, 

My number 56, dated Las Vegas, April 20th 50, advised you of 
Indian attacks near that place. Lt Burnside^ with his command 
hastened in the direction of the supposed place where the Indians had 
committed butcheries, found three murdered Mexican wood choppers, 
and pursued the trail of a small party of Indians, in a northern direc- 
tion, until it was wholly lost on the sides of the mountains, without 
making any other discovery. 

We have just received authentic intelligence that the Apaches have 
driven off several hundred head of cattle from a place about ten miles 
east of Pesalta, and fifteen or twenty from Albuquerque, a military 
post. A herder was killed, others wounded, and some captives 
taken — It is said, there were about fifty Indians engaged in the affair, 
and that ihey were impudent enough to commit their outrages in the 
broad day light, and within view of several people near the place. I 
■exceedingly regret that I can not advise you of the slightest improve- 
ment in the condition of affairs in this territory, nor is it possible for 
any one to convey to you an adequate idea of the various disorders 
which prevail, and seem to be fastened upon this country. 

A party of traders were recently upon the Gila river between 
Sholay's and Williams' forks, as marked upon Emory's Map, and in 
that region, in various localities, fell in with large numbers of 
Apaches. They represent these Indians as being friendly towards the 
people of the United States, and they were doubtless so to their 
friends, the traders, who bought and brought to this neighborhood 
some of the finest mules to be seen any where. These mules are taken 
from Sonora, Mexico, and, most frequently sold to traders from this 
territory who pay for them at the rate of twenty to twenty five dollars 
per head, in such articles as the Indians may require. One of these 
traders, who denies having traded with the Indians, but who returned 
with some exceedingly fine mules, says the Apaches are well mounted, 
well armed with Eifles, have a large supply of powder, lead, Superior 
beef Cattle, and many valuable articles of merchandize for which they 
have no use — They are continually making depredations upon Sonora, 
and immediately returning to their accustomed localities on our side 
of the Gila. When the traders left, the Indians were preparing for 



1 O. I. A., Santa F€ Agency, C 471. 

* For an account of Burnslde's orders, Investigation and discoveries, see documents on 
pp. 197-200. 



COREESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 197 

another descent upon Sonora; and I have reason to believe quite a 
number of trading expeditions are now being fitted out, on the East 
side of the Rio del Norte, for the purpose of trading with these 
identical Indians. 

We are yet without the slightest intimation as to the purposes of 
our Government in relation to these disorders. 
I have the honor to be, 

Your very obt. Servt. 

J. S. Calhoun 

Ind. Agt 
Orlando Brown Esq, 

Conw. of Ind. Affs. 

Washington City 
D. C 

[Related Correspondence.] 

[ALEXANDER TO McLAWS.*] 

Las Vegas N. M. 

May 2Jitn 1850 
Sib, 

I have the honor, to report, that on the 20th Instant, a part of the U. S. 
Mail, which left Fort Leavenworth about the middle of last month, was brought 
to this place, by a party of traders, who had started from here, some days 
before, for the U. S. 

They reported, that they had proceeded as far as the " Wagon Mound," 
(about forty three miles from this Post), when they found the dead bodies 
of eleven men, and some mail bags, which had contained the mail for this 
Territory. — This party was afraid to proceed farther, and so returned imme- 
diately to this Post, bringing the principal part of the Mail. — 

On the 21st Inst. I sent out Lieut Burnside 3d Arty, with a detachment of 
mounted artillery, to the place of the murders, with directions to bury the 
dead, to recover such letters &c as might be found, to try and find out the 
probable time, and circumstances of the murders, and the number, and tribe, 

is 
of Indians which committed them. Enclosed pkaee-in^T the report of Lieut 

that 
Burnside which contains all the information, could be gathered In 

relation to the matter 
I am Sir, 

Very respectfully 

Your Obedt. Servt. 

E. B. Alexander 

B. Lt. Col U 8. A 

Com 
Lieut. L. McLaws 

A. A. A. Oenl 

Santa Fe 

» A. G. O., Pile-Box, Department of New Mexico, 1850, A 6. 



198 COEEESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

[burnsidf. to WARD.^] 

Las Vegas New Mexico 

May 23d 1850. 
Sib, 

I have the honor to report for the Information of the Lieut Col: Com- 
manding, that in obedience to Post order No. 11 dated Hd Qrs Las Vegas 
N. M. May 21st 1S50, I proceeded with my Detachment in the Direction of the 
Wagon Mound for the purpose of interring the bodies of the Mail Carriers & 
others who were murdered near that place as well as to collect such parts of 
the Mail as were not destroyed or had not already been brought in. I 
arrived at the Scene of Murder on the day after I left this place & found the 
remains of the persons. I at once put the mexicans, taken for the purpose, 
to digging a Grave for the Bodies & commenced immediately, a careful examina- 
tion of all the Ground in the Vicinity assisted by Lieut. Plympton, attached 
to this command and Mr. Barclay of " Barclay Fort." The Wagon which Clay 
& Hendrickson (Mail Carriers) took from this place last March was found 
about half a mile from the foot of the Wagon Mound with the Tonge broken 
& a dead mule still in harness, attached to it. Two of the Bodies, in a com- 
plete state of putrifaction, were found in the Wagon, the remaining Eight 
very much eaten by the Wolves, in its immediate Vicinity the farthest one 
probably seventy five Yards off, one horse and two INIuIes were killed near 
the Wagon, & two American Horses near the foot of the Mound; The Ground 
from these two horses to the Wagon, was strewn with arrows. On the road 
which passes the foot of the Mound «& about a Mile from the Wagon we found 
where the party had encamped before they were attacked; The Track of the 
Wagon could not be discovered; The Trail of the Marauding Party was 
Indistinct. We examined the Cafiada formed by the rising Ground near the 
mound & in fact all the Ground in its neighborhood & secured all the mail 
that could be found which consisted principally of "blank forms" & a few 
private papers. 

From these Facts I am led to the following conclusion; that the Mail party 
with five or six other persons that joined it arrived at the Wagon Mound either 
before the snow fell on the 3d of this month or whilst the snow was still on the 
Ground for no Tracks of any Description pould be seen : that the Wagon with 
eight of the Party started from camp, two of the Party (not Mail Carriers) 
Mounted on American Horses remained at the Fire for a short time ; afterwards, 
starting, were charged upon by the Indians, who were laying behind the small 
Mound at the foot of the Wagon Mound, their Horses killed and them wounded, 
they ran to the Wagon & were assisted in getting in by the main party, while 
In the act of doing this, the party were charged upon by the Indians thrown 
into a State of Confusion & finally all killed within seventy-five yards of the 
Wagon, on either side of the road. This opinion is sustained by the fact of 
the two men who were in the Wagon being wounded, each in the left thigh, the 
most common wound a man receives on horse back, & one that could not have 
been inflicted whilst they were in the Wagon. No signs were discovered of any 
Indians being killed. The attacking party were evidently in great numbers 

number 
from the large of arrows found on the Ground, but the best evidence 

of it is the small si)ace within which the whole party were killed : so large a 
party of Americans have never before been entirely destroyed by the Indians 

1 A. G. O., File-Box, Department of New Mexico, 1850, A 20. 



COEKESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 199 

of that portion of the Territory, & in fact, ten Americans have heretofore been 
considered comparatively safe in traveling over the road with proper care — 
Mr. Barclay who had been a great deal among the Eutaw Indians & in fact, 
traded with them for some time recognized, certain arrows among those left on 
the gronnd. One of the Mexicans that I carried with me had been for many 
years a prisoner among the Indians & recognized both Eutaw & Apache Indian 
arrows which confirm me in the opinion that it was a combined movement of 
the two Tribes; The party consisted certainly of not less than one hundred War- 
riors. All these are mere matters of opinion & may appear to show conceit & 
arrogance in so inexperienced a person as myself but I have taken particular 
pains to weigh all the circumstances & have formed my opinion not only from 
my own observation, but from that of Lieut. Plympton & Mr. Barclay. The 
latter has been in this country for many years & knows the Indian habits almost 
perfectly. No possible clue to the direction of the Trail could be found & in 
fact the murder was committed so long before it was known (at least fifteen 
days) that all pursuit would have been unavailing could we have found the 
Trail ; no fresh signs of Indians were seen, but it was reported that a party 
had been seen by a Hunter near Barclay's Fort but not being able to learn any 
thing positive on the subject I cannot say that the report is correct. 

It is probable, that Clay & Hendrickson who went out in March were the 
carriers, Benj. Shaw & Mr. Goldstein are probably two others of the party, as 
many private papers belonging to them were found on the ground. Mr. Bar- 
clay is of opinion that Mr. Brown, who owned the Train that wintered near 
the Arkansas, was another He judges from the appearance of the Hair on the 
Head as well as from the shape of the Head; I have heard other persons spoken 
of as probably belonging to the party but seeing no evidence dont think it best 
to mention their names as it may create unnecessary alarm among their friends. 
Two of the Party only were scalped but all of them were stripped. The prin- 
cipal part of the letter Mail, I think has been brought in. The Indians evi- 
dently thought the large rolls of blanks to be the most important & consequently 

worth 
tore them open. I have brought all that was picking up; The bodies were 

buried in a common Grave & the Wagon with all the rubbish were burned over 
it to prevent if possible the Bodies being dug up by the Wolves. 
I have the honor to be Very respectfully. 
Your obt Servt 

(Sgd) A. B. BURNSIDE, 

Lt. 3d Arty Comdg Dep. 
Lt. J. N. Ward 

Post Adjutant 
official 

Ti McLaws AAA Oenl 

[burnside to plympton^] 

Las Vegas New Mexico 

June 12th 1850 
Sib 

I have the honor to report, that in accordance with orders received from the 
Lieut Col Comdg. I started with my detachment composed of Lieut Plympton 
& twenty two non-commissioned officers & privates on the 27th of May for the 
purpose of escorting the Mail in the direction of Fort Leavenworth as far as 

» A. G. 0„ Pile-Box, Department of New Mexico, 1850, B 11. 



200 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

the Ce<lar Spring, or as much farther as I thought necessary to insure its safety. 
Just beyond the " Rabbit Ear Creels " we found in the road placed between two 
stones one of the blank muster rolls taken from the mail with a representation 
drawn upon it of the manner in which the murders were committed near the 
" Waggon Mound." I send enclosed the drawing. A fresh trail of a few horses, 
apparently with grazing lines draging, crossed the road at this place. This 
convinced me at once that the murderers were in the vicinity watching our 
movements. Two or three miles beyond this point we met with a party of 
Mexicans about two hundred strong who represented themselves as being 
" buffalo hunters." The head man of the party told us they had fought a few 
days before with the Arapahoes & Chains on the Cimmaron loosing one man & 
killing three Indians; soon after we met with some Pueblo Indians belonging 
to the same party who told us that they had not fought or even seen any In- 
dians. Some of them told us they had »et met the mail party at the " Point 
of Rocks" on the 5th of May and had traded some horses or mules with them; 
others said they had not seen them. From all these contradictions we were led 
to suppose that they might in some way be connected with the murder. We 
passed one of their encampments that evening and found in it a letter directed 
to a lady in Santa Fe written at El Paso about the time Mr Shaw, who was 
one of the murdred, party left that place. He had probably forgotten to de- 
liver it when in Santa Fe and was cari-ying it back with him. This went to 
confirm our suspicions. They had some three or four hundred pack animals 
with them but no buffalo meat. All these circumstances were not such as to 
give me any positive suspicion, but I at once decided to keep with the mail to 
the crossing of the Cimmaron which I did, returning to this place yesterday. 
The party was from the neighbourhood of Toas. I send enclosed some of their 
names. We encamped with Major Grier and his command at the crossing of 
the Red River. He was to return to his post in four or five days. Nothing was 
heard of the mail or any train coming in from the States 
I have the honor to be 

Sir very respy. Your obt Sevt 

A. E. Burn SIDE 
Lieut Comdg Dpt 
To Lieut P. W. L. Plympton 

Post Adgt. 

List of Names of persons belonging to the Mexican party 
Salvidor Carpios de Herera of Chama Comandante 
Cruz Romero of Pueblode Taos 

Jose Barquez of Pueblo de Taos 



A E BURNSIDE 

Lieut Comdg Dpt 



[CALHOUN TO CHOICE.*] 



Indian Agency Santa Fe, New Mexico 

May 10th 1850. 
Sir 

I have received your two communications of the 8th Inst. The 
(A) copy of the one detailing the Pueblo Indians report in reference 
to the conduct of Mexicans, I intend sending to Washington in cor- 



A., Santa F6 Agency, C 472; No. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 201 

roboration of statements I have heretofore forwarded, and shall re- ] 
peat by the next Mail. / 

Wliile I am pleased you have succeeded in procuring suitable per- 
.sons to go amongst the Utahs to ascertain their purposes and inten- 
tions, I exceedingly regret I can not approve the tone of the letter 
which you sent to them, although I fully appreciate your good 
intentions. 

You will remember, I have not deemed it proper to make presents 
to Indians except as a reward for services rendered, Again, it is not 
regarded as advisable to send to the Indians an entreating letter to 
come in for the purpose of having a friendly talk. At present, we 
can make no further treaty with them: and all that can be done 
with my consent, will be to allow those who say they are not a party 
to the treaty, which I made with them on the 30th of December last, 
to come in and make known their entire submission to the terms of 
said treaty, by signing the Memorandum which I have appended to 
a copy of the treaty which you will receive with this letter.' Should 
they come in, let each article of the treaty be distinctly explained to 
them; And as containing my views in relation to presents, I invite 
your attention to the 8th article. While they are with you, they 
fchould be liberally provided with food, and some little for their use 
as they are returning to their lodges. 

My object in desiring a confidential person to visit the Utahs, was 
to ascertain their present locations, their probable locations for the 
Summer, their true state and condition, and their numbers, and in- 
tentions with respect to the treaty Mentioned above; and also, to 
ascertain what influences, if any were operating upon their minds, 
and whether any combinations have been attempted with them by 
any persons, tribe of Indians, or community of persons, for an}' pur- 
pose or purposes whatever. You will at once perceive, unless they are 
decidedly submissive, they will be upon their guard, if they ascertain 
the Agent comes to them by your direction, and they will mislead and 
decieve if they do not otherwise maltreat him; therefore, you are 
requested, if it be practicable, to withdraw that letter. 

Whenever Indians manifest a proper feeling of friendship, it 
should be encouraged, and all necessary facilities afforded to them 
to approach their Agent, and all authorities of our Government, 
without the fear of being harmed. To induce them to come to you 
by promises of Presents, is but to encourage deceit and fraud. 

If it should so happen, they should come in, I mean the Chiefs 
generally, and desire to be put in immediate communication with 
His Excellency Governor Munroe, or Myself, I shall be gratified if 
you can induce them to come with you to Santa Fe. If they consent 
to come with you, they may postpone the signing of the " Memo- 
randum," to the Copy of the treaty until their arrival here. 



202 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

If any important information should be obtained, or any important 
result secured, give me all needful advice at the earliest practicable 
moment. 

I am 

Very respectfully 

Your Obt. Servt. 

J. S. Calhoun 

Ind. Agt. 
Genl Cyeus Choice 

Ind Agt. 
ATbiquin 
New Mexico. 

[CALHOUN TO MUNROE.^] 

Indian Agency 
Santa Fe New Mexico 

May nth 1850 

V ^'^ 

/ In consequence of the friendly messages frequently received from 

the Utah tribe of Indians, it is respectfully submitted, 

That a confidential and trusty agent, be sent to the controlling 
chiefs for the purpose of ascertaining the true state and condition of 
their tribe, their intentions with respect to the treaty made with 
them at Albiquin on the 30th of Deer last, their feelings towards the 
people of this territory and of the U. S. generally, and their present, 
and probable localities for the summer. In this connection the agent 
should obtain, all the information he may be able to command in 
relation to their numbers, distinguishing sexes and "Warriors, and also 
whether any attempts have been made, by any person or persons to 
induce a general and united effort, against the people and authorities 
of this territory, or any portion of either — 

The agent, that he maj^ the more readih'' have access to the chiefs, 
and ascertain the truth in relation to the foregoing enquiries, should 
be permitted to go out as a trader., and his character as an agent 
should not be disclosed. 

If the agent should find the Utahs really anxious to submit to the 
authorities of the United States, and subscribe their names to the 
before mentioned treaty he ought to have authority to conduct them 
either to Taos or Albiquin, as may be most convenient, where they 
should be properly and liberally subsisted, until your Excellency 
shall definitely order in the premises. 



O. I. a., Santa F6 Agency, C 472, No. 



CORBESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 203 

In order to obtain the confidence of these Indians, and to secure 
a thorough knowledge of their intentions and purposes, it is desir- 
able they should be advised to visit your Head Quarters, and all 
proper protection should be afforded to them in coming to, and re- 
turning from said Head Quarters 
I am, 

With great respect 

Your obt Servt 

J S Calhoun 

Ind. Agt 
His Excellency 
John Munkoe 
Civil & Mil Governor 

Santa Fe, 

New Mexico 

[CALHOUN TO CEAWFOBD/] 

Santa Fe, New Mexico 

May 11th 1850 
Sir, 

I can not do less than to commend to your favorable consideration 
the accompanying copy of a communication - addressed to Brig. 
Genl. E. Jones, Adjt. Genl. U. S. A. I confess, I do not approve 
the policy and more particularly do I object to the manner in which 
the Brevetting power has been exercised for some years past. To 
me, it appears evident, there has been glaring injustice and partial- 
ity exhibited in the selection of meritorious officers for distinction; 
and I think you will concur in this opinion if you have time to read 
carefully the copy of Lt. Simpson's letter ^ referred to above. 

I accompanied Col, Washington in his Navajo expedition^ which 
gave me an opportunity of becoming acquainted with Lt. Simpson's 
unflagging zeal in the discharge of his official duties, and his maps 
and documents which he has transmitted to the appropriate Bureau 
at Washington, attest his eminent abilities as a Topographical En- 
gineer. It gives me unqualified pleasure to add, his high moral 
qualities are equalled but by few, and excelled by no man in the 
army, or indeed, in the United States, and I hesitate not to say, no 
officer of the army has superior claims to a Brevet distinction to 



1 a. G. O., Files, C 11 of 1850, enclosed in C 64 of 1850. 

* Not found. 

' Note the documents here quoted. 



204 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

Lieut. Simpson's and therefore it is, I respectfully pray you to in- 
vestigate his claims as he has recorded them. 
I have the honor to be, 

With great respect. 

Your obt. servt. 

J. S. Calhoun 
Hon, 

G. W. Crawford, 

Sec. of War, 

Washington City 
B.C. 

[Related Correspondence] 

[FILLMORE TO CRAWFORD ^] 

Washington, July 1, 1850. 
Hon. G. W. Crawford 

Secy, of War: 
Db, Sir 

I have just received a letter from Lieut. J. H. Simpson informing me that 
he has applied for two brevet commissions on account of his recent surveys, 
maps and reports — I do not feel competent to judge whether his military merits 
entitle him to the promotion which he solicits, and therefore do not presume to 
recommend him on that ground. But I have known him for many years and 
regard him as a gentleman of high character, and beg leave to bespeak a fair 
and candid, if not a favorable, consideration for his application. 

I have the honor to send herewith a letter addressed to you by Col. Calhoun, 
which was enclosed to me. also recommending Lieut. Simpson to your con- 
sideration — 

Truly yours. 



[CRAWFORD TO FILLMORE ^] 



Millard Fillmore 



War Dept. 
Washn. July 3, '50. 



I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 1st inst, In 
which you bring to the notice of the Dept. the application of Lt J. H. Simpson 
for two brevets for his military services & bespeak for it a favorable considera- 
tion. 

This subject has been one of great embarrassment & detracted from the 
efficiency of the Army. No brevet has been, nor will one probably be con- 
ferred, until after the question which is now before Congress has been acted on. 
Very 

G. W. C. 
Hon. M. Fillmore. 

Senate. 



1 A. G. O., Files, P 47 of 1850. 

*A. G. O., Files, C 11 of 1850. See also S 326 of 1850. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 205 

[CALHOUN TO BROWN.'] 

No 60. 

Indian Agency. 
Santa Fe, New Mexico. 

May Wth 1850. 
Sir, 

It is now about forty five days since our last mail was received 
from the States, and your communication of the 28th ^ of December 
last, is the last one that has come to me, from the Department. 

As I am informed a mail will be forwarded from here on to-morrow, 
for the States,- 1 seize the occasion to say, we continue to hear of In- 
dian murders and depredations in various directions. 

The Utahs continue to send us friendly messages, and you are, 
respectfully, requested to read the accompanying paper, marked A.' 
and also, B.* in reply^ — On the same day I received Genl. Choice's 
letter (A) Govr. Munroe honored me with a visit, to say, he had re- 
ceived information that the northeim, Utahs desired to be upon more 
confidential terms with us, and requested my views upon the subject, 
which I gave to him in the form and shape which the paper, C.^ dis- 
closes. I am not advised as to the Governor's subsequent action in 
the matter. 

B^^I take leave to say, sufficient funds should be at the disposal 
of this Agency, to the end, that correct information might be dis- 
seminated and obtained from every point, at the earliest possible 
moment. At this moment, such a fund is decidedly important, and 
I have exhausted my own means, and my own salary in the public 
service — 

I am, 

with great respect. 

Your obt. Servt. 



Orlando Brown Esq 

Comr. of Ind. Affs. 

Washington City 

DC. 



J. S. Calhoun 

Ind. Agt 



* O. I. a,, Santa F6 Agency, C 472. 
« See p. 94. 

» See p. 194. 

* See p. 200. 
•See p. 202. 



206 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

[CALHOUN TO BROWN.'] 

No 61. 

Indian Agency 
Santa Fe, New Mexico. 

May %li. 1850. 
Sir, 

The mail for the States did not leave as I indicated in my No. 60. 
At the very moment the mail carriers were about to mount, intelli- 
gence came to us that eleven dead bodies had been found near the 
Waggon Mound, about forty miles from Las Vegas. A portion of 
our expected mail was found scattered at and near the same place, 
but not one line from Washington was recovered for me. 

It is not known that any one of the party survives, nor have I 
been able to ascertain the names of the eleven dead men. More hor- 
rible deeds are in reserve for us, unless speedy releif is sent to us. 
I am, Sir, 



1 
Very respectfully 



Your obt servt. 

J. S. Calhoun 

Ind. Agt 
Orlando Brown Esqr. 

Comr. of Ind. A-ffs. 

Washington City 
D. G. 

[ In closure. 1 

extract from a letter dated 

Las Vegas May Wth 1850 
I write you a few lines in haste to inform you of the untimely fate 
of those who accompanyed the mail from the States — On the 18th 
we left the Moro & camped at Wolf creek — 19th we started intending 
to noon at the Wagon mound about one mile this side of the W. M. 
we came to where the mail was robbed and eleven men murdered, 
parts of their bodies were lying around partly eaten by the wolves. 
It was a shocking sight. Two men were in the wagon where they 
had been killed, these were not touched. One was a large man, the 
other middle sized — We did not know them — We went to the water 
with our mules & camped — Myself and another man went on about 



O. I. A., Santa F^ Agency, C 473. 



COERESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 207 

a mile farther, where they had camped as we supposed; the night 
before they were killed — there was an arrow lying there likewise a 
bloody handkerchief, which seemed to have been tied around a mans 
head — The company seemed to have been attacked travelling as the 
mules were in harness, & in running 'round the tongue was broken — ■ 
three mules were killed & two horses — The horses were lying betwixt 
where the company had camped & where they were killed — Another 
man & myself followed a trail about a mile to the top of a high hill 
there we found the mail bags cut open and the contents all 'round 
We gathered all the letters and papers we could find & concluded 
we had better return and bring in the mail — and as one of our com- 
pany plainly heard a gun — we thought that they might still be 
about — so Mr Adams & myself brought the mail to Las Vegas. 

[Related Correspondence.] 

[MUNROE TO McDOWELL.i] 

Hd Qrs : 9 Mil : Dept. 

Santa Fe N. M May 23-50. 
Sib 

I aui sorry to report tliat the mail carriers from Fort Leavenworth to this 
Place were liilled near the Wagon Mound (Santa Clara Springs) about forty 
four miles east of Las Vegas. They were accompanied by a number of other 
White Persons altogether eleven dead Bodies have been found their persons 
have not been identified 

The probable perpetrators of these murders were the Jaarillas Apaches who 
have generally associated with them, some straggling Camanches & Utahs; on 
this occasion it is not improbable that they were joined with Mexicans & even 
Whites as the appearance of many of the Letters which were collected indicate 
that they had been opened, torn, & replaced in the Envelopes. 

A Party of Citizens going hence to the States discovered the dead Bodies on 
the ISth Inst : in such a state of decay as to show that they had been killed 
some ten or twelve days previous 

The jMail Bags were broken open & the contents nmch scattered but by the 
care of Mr. Harley & others whatever portion of it, that could be found was 
collected & sent to this Place. 

I have directed Lt. Col. Alexander 3d Inftry commanding at Las Vegas if 
he has not anticipated my order, to send a Party to the Wagon Mound & have 
the dead Bodies interred; a particular examination made of the Ground & to 
report direct to the Adjt. Genl. & to Army & Division Hd. Qrs. any additional 
Facts he may collect. 

The mail will leave this place for the IT. S. tomorrow the 24 Instant, a 
mounted Detachment of an officer & twenty men will escort it on its way so 
far as it will be thought necessary to ensure its safety from the attacks of the 
Hostile Band of Indians which commit Depredations in and around this 
Territory. 



»A. G. 0., Old Book, No. 3, pp. 85-86. 



208 • CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

The officer in charge of the Escort has orders to afford all protection & assist- 
ance in his power to any & all Parties he may meet or overtake coming from 
or going to the TJ. S. 

I am respectfully 

Your obt. Servt. 

Sngd. John Munboe 

Bvt. Col: U. 8. Army 
Capt. J. McDowell Commanding 

Asst. Adjt. Qenl. 

Arm,y Hd. Qrs: 

New York 

[CALHOUN" TO BROWN.'] 

No. 62 

[CALHOUN TO BROWN.'] 

No 63. 

Indian Agency 
Santa Fe, New Mexico 

Jyne mh 1850 
Sir, 

On yesterday afternoon I returned from Abiquin, which place I 
visited under the expectation of meeting some Utah Chiefs who 
came to that Military Post on the 3d. inst. I did not reach there in 
time, as they left for their homes on the afternoon of the same day 
that they came in, giving as a reason for their haste, that their water 
courses were rising so rapidly from the melting of the snow on the 
mountains, in a few days it would be impossible for them to travel. 
Genl. Choice who has been watching, and in indirect communication 
with the Utahs since the latter part of January last, was thoroughly 
advised in relation to my views on the subject of further negotia- 
tions with them. I could not entertain the proposition for the forma- 
tion of a new treaty with them, and I could not see the propriety of 
doing more than to permit Chiefs, who were not present at Abiquin 
on the 30th of December last, to come in and affix their names to the 
original " Memorandum " attached to the accompanying cop}'' of the 
treaty made at Abiquin on the aforesaid 30th of Deer. Genl. Choice 
informs me, they seemed fully to have understood the terms of the 
treaty before they came to Abiquin, and expressed themselves grati- 
fied that they were permitted to sign it. These Chiefs, as all others 
have, of that tribe, declare, with an apparent proper solemnity, that 
they have committed no acts of hostility, or depredations against the 



1 Not on file in Indian Office. The L. R., No. 37, entry for July 1, 1850 is, 



Calhoun, J. S., May 
25, '50. 
No. 62. 



Copy of Constitution of New l Chfclk. 
Mexico, which he supposes 
will be adopted. 



• O. I. A., Santa P6 Agency, C 490. See Pile-box, " Treaties, Original. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 209 

people of this territory and I am inclined to credit the declaration, 
so far as they are concerned as a tribe. There are, doubtless, quite a 
number of Utahs who roam with the Apache Band, known as 
" Jicarillas," and aid and share in all murders and depredations. In 
this opinion I am sustained by the military authorities of Abiquin and 
Taos, and by the entire Mexican population at and near the former 
place. 

Genl. Choice also, informs me, the Chiefs seemed to care for no 
other purchases but powder, and think the Mexicans supplied them 
to a limited extent. The Indians said, without they could procure 
powder thej^ would suffer for the want of meat. The Chiefs ex- 
pressed great anxiety for the immediate establishment of one or more 
trading posts. 

I am decidedly of the opinion this is a favorable moment to dis- 
pose of the Utahs. They could now be located within certain fixed 
limits, and by the selection of a suitable Military Post, and estab- 
lishing there a trading point their well being would be promoted, 
other tribes could be prevented from making to them improper 
visits, and their entire submission secured. But to accomplish these 
results troops, additional troops are necessary in this territory. 

Since it has ever been the policy of our Government to form treaties 

one 
with Indian tribes, I give it as my opinion, that the two treaties, 
with the Navajos, and the other with the Utahs, should be ratified, 
and the two tribes compelled to comply with the stipulations con- 
tained therein. 

In relation to the Navajos, it is proper to mention, they have been 
committing numerous depredations, and some murders, and carrying 
off captives during the past week. These Indians ought, and must 
be, severely chastised before they will submit to a proper subjection. 

Since the murders at the Waggon Mound, of which I advised you 
in my number 61. (ten dead bodies only were found) the Apaches 
seem to be a little more quiescent. The enclosed copy of a letter from 
Maj Steen to Governor Munroe, will show his impressions. Surely, 
surely, a just and severe chastisement awaits these people for their 
numerous butcheries perpetrated since the first of October last. 
I am, with great respect. 
Your obt. Servt. 



Orlando Brown Esqr 

Gomr of Ind. Affs. 

Washington City 

D.G. 



J. S. Calhoun 

Ind. Aqt. 



5021—1.5 14 



210 COERESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

[ Related Correspondence. ] 
[WHITTLESEY TO McLAWS.i] 

: Santa Fe N. Mex. 

June 10—1850 
Sib 

I should be culpable if before leaving this place I should fail to bring offi- 
cially to the notice of the Col. Comg the posture of affairs in the Valley of 
Taos and the dangerous situation of the American Citizens in that place, 
without military protection of any kind 

The present political excitement in this country is not understood by the 
lower class of Mexicans, and it is feared by intelligent citizens that outrages 
may be committed before it is over. Though not disposed myself to be an 
alarmist yet I feel it my duty to express my opinion that it is unsafe to leave 
Taos any longer without at least a Detachment of ten or fifteen men. Con- 
siderable public property — some arms a munition &c are now there with no 
other guard than some half dozen ill-armed teamsters 

The revolutionary character of the inhabitants of that Valley is well known, 
and should be guarded against 
Respectfully submitting the above 
I have the honor to be 

Sir Very Respectfully 

J. H. Whittleset? 

1st Lt 1st Drags 

To Lt. McLaWS *.i'*,»>-^-'-t :^.-' 

Gen 9 — Mily Dept ~" 

[GRIER TO McLAWS.2] 

Hd Qrs Sqdn 1st Deags 

Rayado, N. M. June 18, 1850 
Sib, 

For the information of the Col. Commdg. Department, I have the honor to 
report that I have, this day, sent Lieut Taylor with ' G ' Compy to take post 
at Taos. In my opinion, the presence of at least a small force is necessary 
there, particularly for the preservation of good order, during the approaching 
election — I have not the slightest confidence in the honesty, patriotism or 
fidelity of the people of Taos Valley — On those three points I regard them as 
but slightly superior to the Apache's 

I expect to return to Taos with my own Company, on the 26th. of this month, 
unless I receive orders to the contrary — 
Very Respectfully 

Your Obt Servt 

Wm. N. Grieb 

Capt & Brvt Majr 
Commdg Sqdn 1st Drags 
Lieut L. McLaws 

A. A. Adjt General 

9th Mil. Dept. 

Santa Fe 

N. M. 

1 A. G. O., Files, Department of New Mexico, W 3 of 1850. 
•9 Ibid. G 23 of 1850. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 



211 



[CALHOUN TO BROWN.'] 

No. 64 



[CALHOUN TO BROWN/] 

No 65 

Indian Agency, 

Santa Fe, New Mexico 

June 15th 1850. 
Sir, 

I have but a moment to say, the Navajos are continuing their 
depredations on the west side of the Rio del Norte, and the Pueblo 
Indians are living in a constant state of excitement — I leave this 
afternoon on a visit to some of the Pueblos, for the purpose of as- 
certaining such facts as I may be able to glean. 

A few days ago a package of papers were found attached to the 
top of a pole that had been planted on a mound in the Prairies, 
near, or within the borders of the Comanche country. An examina- 
tion of the papers shows. 

1. A letter from President Houston dated May 4, 1843. to Pah-hah- 
you-co inviting the Comanches to visit Bent's Fort for the purpose 
of making peace. 

2. A Treaty of Peace duly signed by J. C. Eldride and Pah-hah- 
you-co dated, Comanche Encampment, Augst 9th 1843. 

3. A letter from President Jones of Texas to Pah-hah-you-co, 
inviting the Comanche chiefs to meet his chiefs at the Council Ground 
at Taliuacano Creek — dated July 14, 1845 

4. A " Talk sent to Pa-ha-eu-ka, Head Chief of the Comanche 
Nation by P. M. Butler, U. S. Commissioner, 11th Deer. 1843 " 

5. A ratified treaty in print, "concluded at Council Springs, in 
the County of Robinson, Texas, near the Brazos river, this 15th 
day of May, A. D. 184G, P. M. Butler and M. G. Lewis, Commis- 
sions " &c &c. and the Chiefs and others of the Comanche & other 
tribes of Indians= 

The manner in which these pajoers have been disposed of by the 
Indians is significant of dissatisfaction, if not mischief — The Co- 
manches and other Indians are to hold a Council at the full moon 
of this month, somewhere near the Rio Colorado, at a place known 



1 Not on file in Indian Office, but registered in O. 
2^\ 1850. 



A, L. R. No. 37, under date Sept. 



O. I. A. Santa Fe. 
491 



Calhoun, J. C, Agt 
Santa F^, New Mex- 



June 13/50. 



Encloses copies of " proposed 
constitution" of New Mex- 
ico—remarks in reference. 



* O. I. A., Santa F6 Agency, C 402, or, 
September 2, 1850, C 491 i. 



icorded in L. R. No. 37 under date of 



212 COKRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

as Suttons Fort — twelve days travel from Santa Fe — I have pro- 
cured an old Indian trader and the Governor of the Pueblo of 
Tesuque, to be there on that occasion. 

I will keep you fully advised of all important movements when- 
ever opportunities present= 

No news yet from Washington City — I have only time to add, I 
firmly adhere to all of my former suggestions in reference to the 
best and most economical mode of adjusting our Indian affairs in 
this territory. 
I am, 

With great respect. 

Your obt. Servt. 

J. S. Calhoun 

Ind. Agt. 
Orlando Brown Esq 

Gomr. of Ind. A-ffs. 

Washington City 

D.C 

[CALHOUN TO BROWN.'] 

No. 66. 

Indian Agency. 
Santa Fe, New Mexico. 

June 19th 1850 
Sir, 

In connection with my letter, No. 66, I place before you a copy of 
a translation from the Spanish, of a communication received a few 
days ago by His Excellency, Governor Munroe. 

" River Pecos, June 10th 1850. 
The Captains of the Comanche ^ tribe, Yraquipa and Quisaqueca, 
have joined the Apaches, Jiccarilles and Mescaleros for the purpose 
of making a treaty with the U. S. The Apaches, Mescaleros, and 
Jiccarilles ask for peace on condition that all captives in their hands 
shall be given up, and that all in the possession of the U. S. be- 
longing to them, shall, also, be given up. The Captains of the 
Comanches request His Excellency, the Governor, to have two horses 
taken from some rogues on the lower Rio Grande. One is a black 
horse, not branded, one a gray, branded with a Mexican brand. In 
case these horses are recovered, please send them to their proper 
owners. 

(Signed.) Carentas Asui.es. El Phnrtn. 

E. LoBO. E. Bvrranquito 

Jose Largo. Santa Ana. 



1 O. I. A., Santa F6 Agency. C 493. 

•Connected with the relations lietween the Comanches and the Apaches, see McLaws to 
Grier, June 28, 1850. 



CORRESPONDENCE OP JAMES S. CALHOUN. 213 

The Governor has the comniiiiiication under consideration, but I 
am not advised as to the inclination of his mind. 

As the policy of the Government of the United States in reference 
to the Indians of this territory, if fixed, is not known here, it requires 
an assumption of power to maintain any thing like respectability in 
official position. The consequences will be seen in frequent blunders, 
and, perhaps, some mischief. The errors of the head should be ex- 
amined with great lenity, for our charts and compasses are very 
mcomplete, and the elements of society, here, do not favor the idea 
that the most honest guessing will accomplish much that is good. 

The character of my letters, I know, have afforded the Department 
no pleasure, nor could they afford pleasure to a patriot or a philan- 
thropist. I have faithfully advised you in relation to affairs that it 
was my privilege to allude to. But, sir. no human minds can ap- 
preciate, or understand, the character and extent of the disorder in 
this territory without being personally present, and I regret to add, 
there are but few present who seem to laiow, or care to know the 
true condition of affairs. There are those, who, if they can counter- 
act honest efforts to advance the public good, are perfectly content, 

are 
and there those who are so recklessly bent, to accomplish their 

ends niether life or character would be regarded for a moment. 

To-morrow the proposed Constitution, for a State Government, is 
to be passed upon by the people. At the same time, a Governor, 
Lieut. Governor, a Representative to Congress, and Members for a 
State Legislature, are to be elected. The Pueblo Indians are excited, 
the Mexicans are excited, and a certain class of Americans are greatly 
excited. The most unimaginable incongruities have combined, and 
are divided into two parties, neither possessing the characteristics of 
a national party. It is a contest between those who have controlled, 
officially, since Genl. Kearney's organization of this territory, and a 
portion of the people who have not approved the civil administration 
of public affairs — because they thought it was arbitrary, partial and 
unjust in its operations, and all territorial legislation suppressed. 
The people never have been permitted a solitary voice in the selec- 
tion of public functionaries. The contest is extremely violent. The 
Pueblo Indians have been called upon by both parties, and during 
the week past, various deputations have called upon me for advice. 
Up to the issuing of Governor Munroe's Proclamation of the 6th 
inst., herein enclosed, there seemed to be a general disposition, upon 
the part of the Indians, to have nothing to do with the elections, and 
J approved, most heartily, their determination. The propriety of 



214 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

has 
issuing the proclamation, is not apparent to me, It had the effect 
of agitating and disturbing the minds of these Indians, and my situa- 
tion is rendered exceedingly awkard and disagreeable. The ac- 
companying half sheet, will show the use that is made of it, and 
many of the Indians are inclined to the opinion they are to be aban- 
doned by their Great Father, the President of the United States. In 
order to avoid the appearance of official Collision, I have deemed it 
advisable to abstain from smy effort to counteract the apparent design 
ef the in issuing the proclamation. This course I have adopted with- 
out the slightest change in my views in reference to these Indians. 
For the present, they should remain under the exclusive jurisdiction 
of the Government of the United States. My reasons for this decided 
opinion, I have had occasion to give you in my previous letters, and 
I will not trouble you with a repetition of them. 

I am, 
> With great respect, 

Your obt. servt. 

J. S. Calhoun 

Ind. Agt. 
Orlando Brown Esqr. 
Co7nr. of Ind. Af». 
Washington City 

B.C. 

[ Inclosure. ] 

a U')S INOIOS DE PITEBLO DE NUEVO MEJIfO. 

Para evitar que sea uzado un influjo bajo el pretesto de autoridad 
oficial, dando una direccion a sus votos en la procsima eleccion. 

Por cuanto, esta declarado que sus derechos de votar sobre la 
adopccion de la Constitucion de Estado, y por los Candidates que 
scan de su gusto, o rehusar de hacerlo, quedandose en sus casas como 
en su juicio lo crean mejor esta plenamente reconocido, y que ningun 
agente oficial del gobierno esta autorizado de atentar, gobernar, 
dirigir o de otra manera influir con V. V. en el ejercicio libre e inde- 
pendiente de este derecho. 

Dado bajo mi firma en la Casa de Gobierno de la Ciudad de Santa 
Fe este dia 6, de Junio del ano de nuestro Senor de 1850. 

John Munroe, 
Gohernndor Civil y Military del Territorio de N . Mexico. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 215 

[Related Correspondence.] 
[McLAWS TO GRIER.i] 

Hd. Qrs 9 Mil: Dept : 
Santa Fe N. Mex: June 28/50. 
Major, 

I have the honor herewith to acknowledge the receipt of your communication 
of the 26th reporting the descent of a band of Apaches & Comanches on the 
Royado & your intention of starting in pursuit so soon as reinforcements could 
be received from Taos & Las Vegas. 

The Reports of Indian Depredations are such that Col. Munroe directs that 
you must not go on any Expedition so distant from your Post as to prevent a 
recall in case an emergency should require you in another direction. 

A party of about twenty Camanches have been among the San Domingo 
Indians for the purpose of making a Treaty with them, these are circumstances 
in regard to that Fact in connection with the report, that two hundred of the 
same tribe are about the Placer who intend ef oasing the River for the purpo se o f 

which 
engaging the Navajos so soon as they can cross the Rio Grande will show 

the necessity of requiring that a sufficient number of Troops be held in readi- 
ness to act so as to defeat any combinations between the Pueblo «& Comanche 
Indians or to put down any War between tribes which would result injuriously 
to this Territory. 

Until the above reports, are in some way elucidated, your instructions before 
mentioned will remain in force. 

All proper measures have been taken to gain requisite information & you 
will be notified of the result at an early period. 
Respectfully 

Your obt. Servt. 

L. McLaws 
Ist Lt 7th Infy 

AAA aenl. 
Major W. N. Grieb 

Comdg 
Rayado 

[CRAWFORD TO CALHOUN.'] 

War Department 
Washmgton, July 2d 1850 
Calhoun, Colonel J. S, 

Santa Fe* 
New Mexico. 
Sir, 

Your letter of May 11th commending to the favorable consideration 
of the Department, the claims of Lieut. J. H. Simpson to brevet 
rank, has been received. 



»A. G. O., Old Book, No. 3, pp. 110-111. 

« A, G. O., M. B., No. 30, p. 225 ; Files, C 11 of 1850. 



216 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 



It is the determination of the President not to take any action on 
this subject until the question of brevet rank, which has been sub- 
mitted to Congress, shall have been definitely acted on. Your letter 
will therefore be placed on file and brought to the notice of the Presi- 
dent, when the subject of brevets shall be under consideration by him. 
Very respectfully. Your Obt Serv 

Geo W. Crawford 

Secretary of War 

[CALHOUN TO BROWN.'] 

No. or. 

[CALHOUN TO BROWN.'] 

No r,8. 



Indian Agency. 
Santa Fe, New Mexico, 

_ \ J nly 15.1850 

Sir, 

The receipt of your communications of the 24th of April and the 
6th of May, of the present year, is hereby acknowledged. 

A mail leaves here to-day, for the United States, and it is my pur- 
pose to submit for your consideration, as briefly as possible, several 
topics of some importance. 

AVliile the Comanches have been roving through this territory, in 
various directions, without manifesting any decided purpose, so far 
as my knowledge extends, the x\paches and Navajos have not been 
idle. The Apaches, and perhaps others with them, a few days ago, 
drove off quite a number of animals, killed one soldier and an 

> Not on file in Indian Office; but the substance of it is given in O. I. A., L. R. No. 37, under date of 
September 6, 1850. 




Relates to excitement among 
the Pueblo Indians after 
elections, (at which some 
of them voted,) and the 
cause thereof — to efl'orts 
made to bring him into 
disrepute wilh the In- 
dians, & to deputations 
having visited him to 
know if he was their 
agent— to their impres- 
sions regarding him.— En- 
closes talk issued to them 
by Gov: Munroe, since 
Which all is quiet, and 
hey anxious to hear from 
Washington.— Also re- 
lates to certata roving 
bodies Comanches in 
mountains (to whom he 
sent agents), and to their 
depredations— &c. 



A., Santa F6 Agency, 495. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 217 

American, almost within sight of the Military Post of Rayado, com- 
manded by Maj. Grier. The number of Indians was supposed to be 
some three hundred, and, I presume, the few troops we had at 
Rayado were compelled to maintain a defensive attitude. I have 
heard that Maj. Steen in attempting to penetrate the Apache coun- 
try, east of Donafia, discovered that he was in the neighborhood of 
a very large body of Indians, who were amusing themselves with the 
display of red and white flags. The Major, in my opinion, would 
have been exceedingly indiscreet if he had not immediately returned 
to his post. 

The Navajos have driven off Stock in large numbers, west of the 
Rio del Xorte, and seized a few captives, but I am not advised of 
r.ny murders committed by them during the present month. 

An associated gang of Utahs, a few weeks ago, drove off some 
forty animals, from a place called Rita, about ten miles north of 
Abiquin. The Utah chiefs have secured the animals, sent word to 
the owners, they were ready to deliver them up, and had severely 
chastised the thieves. 

The wild Indians are moving, generally, in the direction of the 
Arkansas, they say, for the purpose of securing Buffalo. I shall be 
mistaken if we do not hear of mischief, of some sort, from that 
quarter. 

On the 4th of this month, an Apache who had been confined in 
prison for several months past, for murder, made a desperate effort 
to escape, wounded, severely, three soldiers, one since dead, and his 
murderous purposes were arrested by the timely arrival of a fourth 
soldier, who plunged his bayonet through the body of the Indian, 
who fell immediately dead. 

During the night before the last, an American, for what purpose is 
not known, was clambering over a corral wall, in which public ani- 
mals were kept, and not answering to the challenge of the Sentinel 
on duty there, was Shot through the head, and died immediately 
thereafter. 

This morning, a soldier, a german, deliberately shot himself 
through the head, with his musket, and is dead. 

The constitution submitted to the people for a state organization, 
on the 20th of last month, was approved with a voice, almost unani- 
mous. The party, as such, to whom the Governor had committed 
the formation of the State Government, submitted to an overwhelm- 
ing defeat, and the party who commenced the agitation of the ques- 
tion during the fall past, triumphed. Maj, R. H. Weightman, and 
Maj. Cunningham, Pay Master, have been elected Senators to Con- 
gress by the Legislature now in Session. Maj Weightman leaves 
to-day for Washington. 



218 COKKESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN.' 

I enclose you a Proclamation of Governor Munroe authorizing the 
Legislature to assemble — The Legislature are not manifesting much 
respect for the limitations and restrictions contained therein, and 
point to California as a proper precedent. Dr Connelly, the Gov- 
ernor elect, who was supported by both parties in the Southern Coun- 
ties, is not in the territory, and the Lieut Governor, Alvarez, is the 
acting Governor — between whom, and Governor Munroe, an un- 
pleasant correspondence has occurred, in which, I understand. Gov- 
ernor Munroe ^ announces his purpose to sustain, with all the power 
at his command, the authorized officials under the Kearney code, 
who, until recently, were violently opposed to a State Government. 

This annunciation gives great dissatisfaction to the Legislature, 
as they look upon the old civil officials as micheivously purposed, 
and who have held arbitrary sway for four years, and in the mean 
time, the people have never been permitted to select an agent, except 
once, in 1847, during the war, they were permitted to elect members 
to a Legislature — And now, that the Governor, reluctantly, author- 
ized a convention to form a constitution, which the people have 
adopted, and authorized the Legislature to assemble, they say, the 
Governor (Munroe) ought not to force upon them rulers they have 
so long detested and feared, and whom they have condemned by an 
overwhelming majority — What will be the result of this diasagree- 
ment, we cannot tell — The minority charge the majority with revo- 
lutionary and treasonable designs, a charge that I do not think can 
be dignified as a hallucination — As to the merits of the controversy 

me 
between Governor Munroe and Alvarez, it would ill become to 
utter a word. 

When I commenced this letter, I had intended to have included in 
to 
it, the information, which you called m.y attention in the conclu- 
sion of your letter of the 24th of April last, but on reflection, I have 
concluded to transmit it to you in a separate letter. 
I am. 

Sir, 

Your obt. sert. 

James S. Calhoun, 

Ind. Agt 
Orlando Brown Esqr. 

Gomr. of Ind. Ajfs. 

Washington City. 
D.G. 



»Witb reference to this trouble, see letter from Conrad to Munroe, acknowledging 
Munroe's letter of July 16, 1850. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 219 

PHOCLAMATION.^ 

Whereas, the people of New Mexico, by their Delegates in Con- 
vention assembled, did, on the 25th day of May, frame a State Con- 
stitution for the Territory of New Mexico, and request the present 
Civil and Military Governor of this Territory to issue a Proclamation 
for Elections, for the purpose of submitting the same to the people, 
and for the purpose of electing such officers as are provided to be so 
elected in said Constitution: 

Therefore, I, John Munroe, Civil and Military Governor of the 
Territory of New Mexico, do hereby direct that the qualified electors 
shall assemble at the precincts of their respective counties on Thurs- 
day, the 20th day of June next, between the rising and setting of the 
sun, to vote on a separate ballot for or against the Constitution as 
framed by the Convention, the same to be deposited in a separate 
box ; and on another separate ballot to be deposited in a separate box, 
for Governor, Lieut. Governor, Representatives to Congi-ess, and for 
Senators and Representatives to a State Legislature, to convene at 
the Capitol on Monday, the first day of July next. It being provided 
and understood that the election of all officers in this election can 
only be valid by the adoption of the Constitution by the people and 
otherwise null and void ; and that all action of the Governor, Lieut. 
Governor, and of the Legislature, shall remain inoperative until New 
Mexico be admitted as a State under said Constitution, except such 
acts as may be necessary for the primary ste])s of organization, and 
the presentation of said Constitution properly before the Congress 
of the United States. 

The present Government shall remain in full force until by the 
action of Congress another shall be substituted. 

The election shall be conducted in manner and form as prescribed 
in the statute laws now in force in this Territory, except that the 
Prefects are hereb}^ directed forthwith upon the receipt of this 
Proclamation, to divide their respective counties into convenient 
election precincts, and to appoint three discreet persons in each pre- 
cinct as judges of election, who shall appoint two clerks of their 
respective precincts. 

The Prefects, with the assistance of the Prefects' clerks, shall 
within six days after the election count up all the votes in the returns 
of the several precincts of their counties, and shall immediately issue 
certificates of election under their hands to the persons having the 
highest number of votes for Representatives to the State Legislature. 

They sh.nll also make a fair abstract of the returns from the several 
precincts of their respective counties of all the votes for and against 
the Constitution, for Governor, Lieut. Governor, Representatives to 

1 This proclamation is filed with Calhoun's lotter but is evidently not the one to which 
he, whon writing, hnd refereuco. 



220 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

Congress, and State Senators, and despatch the same immediately, 
certified under their hands, to the Secretary of the Territory, who 
shall issue certificates of election to the persons having the highest 
number of votes for members of the State Senate, and shall lay such 
returns before the two houses of the Legislature upon the first day 
of their session and immediately upon their being organised. 

The number of Representatives and Senators for the respective 
counties and districts for the State Legislature, shall be the same as 
prescribed for the Territorial Legislature in the statute laws of this 
Territory now in force. 

When any county officer whose duty it may be to sum up or make 
returns of votes or certificates of election, shall be a candidate for 
any office, the senor Alcalde of such county shall be required to aid 
in counting up said votes, and shall in place of such officer, being a 
candidate, sign all certificates of elections as hereinbefore prescribed. 

Given under my hand at the Government House, City of Santa Fe, 
this 28th day of May, A. D., 1850. 

John Munroe, 
Civil and Military Governor TerHtory of New Mexico. 

[Related Correspondence.] 

[ CONRAD TO MUNROE.^] 

Wab Department 
WafiMngton Sept 10th 1850 
Munroe, Brevet Colonel J. 

Fort Marcy, 
Santa F6 
Neio Mexico. 
Sir 

Your letter, addressed to the Adjutant General, dated Santa F6, New Mexico 
July 16' 1850, has reached this Department, and, together with the documents 
ficcompanying the same, been submitted to the President. I am directed to 
malje the following reply. 

The President has learnt with regret that any misunderstanding should exist 
between a portion of the people of New Mexico and yourself in relation to the 
Government of that country, and hastens to relieve you from the embarrassment 
in which that misunderstanding has placed you. 

I have now the pleasure to inform you that Congress has at length passed a 
law providing for the establishment of a teri'itorial government in New Mexico. 
The President will proceed with the least possible delay to organize the govern- 
ment, and as soon as it goes into operation, all controversy, as to what is the 
proper government of New Mexico, must be at an end. and the anomalous 
state of things which now exists there will be determined. You will perceive 
however that the same act, (a duly authenticated copy of which accompanies 
this communication) also fixes the boundary between New Mexico and Texas, 
and that its operation is suspended until the assent of Texas shall have been 
given to the boundary established by the Act. 



A. G. O., M. B., No. 30, pp. 268-264. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN, 221 

Although there is little doubt that such assent will be given, yet, as some time 
must elapse before it can be obtained, it is proper that some instructions should 
be furnished for your guidance in the interval. 

It is at all times desirable that the civil and military departments of the 
government should be kept entirely distinct. Although circumstances may 
occasionally arise which require a temporary departure from this principle, 
that departure should cease with the necessity which occasioned it. No neces- 
sity seems to exist at present for departing from it in regard to New Mexico. 
The country is represented to be tranquil, and although the inhabitants have 
undertaken to establish a government for themselves, without the authority 
of a previous Act of Congress, nevertheless there is no reason to believe that, 
in so doing, they intended to throw off their allegiance to the United States, and 
as the government they seek to establish is entirely consistent with the lawful 
authority and dominion of the United States in and over the Territory and its 
inhabitants, the President does not consider himself called upon to suppress it 
by military force. Unless, therefore, it should become necessary to suppress 
rebellion or resist actual hostilities against the United States, (an event hardly 
to be apprehended) or unless the inhabitants or a portion of them should de- 
mand from you that protection which is guarantied to them by the 9th Article 
of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, you are directed to abstain from all fur- 
ther interference in the civil or political affairs of that country. 

In case you should have any further communications to make to this Depart- 
ment in relation to the civil and political affairs of New Mexico, you will ad- 
dress them directly to the Head of this Department. 
Very respectfully. Your Obt Serv 

C M. Conrad 
Secretary of War. 

[CALHOUN TO BROWN.'] 

No. 69. 

Indian Agency 

Santa Fe, New Mexico. 

July 15, 1850 
Sir, 

By or before the first day of June, last, I have reason to beleive, 
you received my letters, Nos. 50 and 51. These two letters have con- 
veyed to you my opinions of a Suitable organization for the Indian 
Service in New Mexico, and the amount of expenditures that I deem 
absolutely necessary in order to carry it out in a proper and efficient 
manner. 

My opinions in relation to " one general superintendent " &c. are 
in perfect accord with those of the Department, as I have heretofore 
written. I regret exceedingly that I have not seen your " annual 
report ". 

iQ. I. A., Santa F4 Agency, C 496. 



222 COREESPONDEISrCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

In your remark, " better too many than too few " Asrents. I fully 
concur; but I am really astonished at the authoritative manner in 
which tlie Hon. H. N. Smith states that the Jiccarillas " are entirely 
separate and distinct from any other tribe ". This statement is an- 
tagonistical to every particle of information that has reached me in 
reference to these Indians. These people to some extent, are the 
issue of Apaches and Comanches — but to a much greater extent, 
Apaches and Utahs. At least, this is my understanding of the 
subject. 

In relation to the number of Pueblo Indians, for reasons which I 
have heretofore given you, I can not agree with Mr. Smith in his 
estimate — 7,000. In my number 51, my views are given in reference 
to Agents and Sub-agents, and expenditures generally. I am aware 
that if we look at the number of the Indians only, the number of 
agents, which I recommend, would seem to be unreasonable. On the 
section of a map which I enclosed to you in my No. 50, the spots 
upon which Pueblos are built, are somewhat, accurately marked — By 
an examination of it, and remembering the topography of the coun- 
try, you will not fail to perceive why it is, the number of agents must 
be greatly disproportioned to the number of Indians — And here, I 

these Indians 
may remark, may be easily managed, if properly pro- 

tected and cared for — But, if driven to desperation, and they combine 
their forces, it will be no easy matter to subdue them. 

I am inclined to think, my Nos 50 & 51. contain all the informa- 
tion you desire, except as to mechanics — I would recommend a Black- 
smith, and a man who could make Waggons and Plough Stocks, 
should be attached to the Agency of each district — Such Mechanics 
would have to be sent from the States, and all the tools necessary for 
their trade. 

In my number 24. my views are defined in reference to the present 
laws regulating trade and intercourse with Indians &c. The amend- 
ments therein suggested, would adapt them to the peculiar condition 
of affairs in this territory, and, perhaps, improve their eiEciency 
elsewhere. 

With great respect, 

Your obt. servt, 

J. S. Calhoun, 

Ind. Agt 

Orlando Brown Esqr. 

Comr. of Ind Affs 



CORKESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUX. 223 

[Related Correspondence.] 

[brown to smith.'] 

Office Indian Affairs 

Fehruary 27, 1850 
Smith Hon H N 

of New Mexico, noio in Washington 
Sir: 

The Department bas under consideration the subject of a suitable organization 
and arrangements for the proper management of our Indian relations in New- 
Mexico, and which will tend to put an end to existing difficulties and prevent 
their recurrence. I am well aware that our main reliance to I^eep the Indians 
in proper subjection, and to prevent difficulties between them and our citizens, 
must be upon an efficient military force ; but the services of active and efficient 
agents are also essential. It is by and through such officers that our Indian 
relations must be directly managed and controlled ; and it is deemed important 
that an adequate number be provided for by Congress as early as possible. 
Anxious to have the aid of the best advice and information in my power ta 
obtain, I would be glad to have your views on some points connected with the 
subject, about which the Department is not so well informed as is desirable 

Col Calhoun, our Indian Agent at Santa Fe, is of the opinion that all the 
roving tribes of New Mexico — those that have no fixed and permanent place of 
residence — may be regarded as consisting of the Comanches, Apaches, Navajoes, 
and Utahs, and that all others — excluding those found in the vicinity of the head 
waters of the Arkansas River — are but offshoots from these, who have become 
more or less intermixed and amalgamated together. He recommends that the 
limits of the country properly claimed by these four tribes be ascertained and 
clearly defined, and that they with the fugitive or offshoot bands, should be 
compelled to remain within them. Such a measure it is presumed could only 
properly be brought about by treaties with these Indians, to be negotiated by 
Commissioners appointed for the purpose. The further question arises whether 
one Agent for each of these tribes will be sufficient, and it is i)resumed it will, 
at least after such an arrangement as that above suggested. 

The Indians of New Mexico, not included in or belonging to those above men- 
tioned, as I understand Agent Calhoun's view^s. are all to be classed under the 
head of Pueblos — not because they are all of one tribe, or speak the same, or 
even similar language, but because they have all fixed habitations, called 
Pueblos, and in their disposition, pursuits, and habits, closely resemble each 
other. These Pueblos, embracing about 12000 Indians, as estimated by Col 
Calhoim, he states are scattered over a considerable section of country, & he 
recommends that they be divided into about six districts and an Agent appointed 
for each. This would seem to be a large number of Agents for the number of 
Indians, bearing the character they do for being in a considerable degree civil- 
ized, peaceably disposed and industrious. 

The Indians of the difl!erent Pueblos, it is stated claim a greater or less 
extent of country — portions of which are claimed also by whites, under Spanish 
or Mexican grants or otherwise. Col Calhoun considers it very important that 
these conflicting claims be adjusted at an early day, and the limits of the Indian 
possessions be fixed and well defined; and he states that the Pueblos are very 
anxious to have the laws of the United States regulating trade and intercourse 



» O. I. A., L. B., No. 43, pp. 46-47. 



224 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN, 

with our ludiau tribes extended over them, so that they may be protected from 
improper intrusions from the whites, and be free to enjoy their own peculiar 
modes of government; with which privilege it is stated the whites are disposed 
to interfere. The questions of the extension of these laws over the other 
Indians of New Mexico ; how far they are applicable, and what modifications, 
if any, should be made in them to render them so, are also subjects for con- 
sideration, upon which the Department has no satisfactory information I 
enclose a copy of the principal law upon the subject for your examination. 

Another matter upon which the Department is at a loss to form a satis- 
factory judgment, is as to what amount would be a fair and just compensation 
to a Superintendent of Indian Affairs in the Territory, should Congress provide 
an independent one, and to Agents and Sub Agents and interpreters. I am 
aware, from the increased expense of living, their more exposed positions, and 
the greater perplexity and difficulty of their duties, that larger allowances, to 
some extent, should be made to them than those fixed by existing laws for such 
officers and employees, generally; but I am altogether at a loss to know what 
amounts to recommend for the consideration of Congress. 

I would respectfully ask your consideration of the several subjects referred 
to in this letter, and would be much indebted to you for your views and 
opinions in regard to them, or upon any other points connected with the 
proper management of our Indian relations in New Mexico, which should be 
considered in the preparation of a report upon the subject. 

If you would like to examine Col. Calhoun's reports it will give me pleasure 
to submit them to you if you will call at the office. 

O B 
[smith TO BROWN.^] 

Washington City March 9tJi 1850 
Sib 

Your letter of Feby 27th upon the subject of our Indian relations in New 
Mexico has been received, and in reply I would remark that while I entirely 
concur with you in opinion that our main reliance to keep the Indians in a 
proper subjection and prevent the recurrence of those depredations and acts 
of outrage which have so long afflicted New Mexico, must be upon the efficient 
and active Military force, still your department can effect a great deal for us. 

The appointment and proper distribution of a suitable number of Indian 
agents in that country, would enable the government to act correctly and ad- 

to 
visedly both with a view the interest of the Iiuliau and also of the emigrants 
and settlers in that country, when the government undertakes (which it must 
do) to mark out and set apart the country which it intends shall be the perma- 
nent and future home of each sei)arate and distinct tribe. The agents would 
also be able to give the government officers immediate and correct information 
of all acts of hostility committed by the different tribes, of their different 
localities and haunts, so that they might be pursued and punished immediately; 
a prompt retribution has a better effect than even a severer punishment after 
a long delay. The agents would be of great service in carrying out that stipu- 
lation of our recent treaty with Mexico whereby we agree to restore to liberty 
all those Mexican captives now in possession of the Indians who have become 
incorporated within our limits. The agents would be necessary in regulating 
the proper intercourse of traders with those Indians, as much of our « diffi- 
culty with them arises in my opinion from the misconduct of lawless and im- 
proper persons who are allowed to go among them under pretense of trading. 



O. I. A., Santa F6 Agency, S 449. 



CORKESPONDENCE OP JAMES S. CALHOUN. 225 

I do not think the Indians in and surrounding New Mexico are so lazy and 
indolent as tribes nearer here and bordering upon our own civilization. After 
they are once reduced to a proper subjection and made to feel the Strength and 
power of our government and afterwards experience its clemency and kindness, 
I am of opinion that they can easily be induced to adopt an agricultural life, 
that they will prove to be very tractable, and under the guidance of discreet and 
worthy agents we may yet see some of their rich mountain valleys teeming 
with the produce of a laborious cultivation. The Spaniards reclaimed from 
Savage life all our Pueblos and made them industrious and honest Cultivators 
of the soil, in a short time we might succeed as well with several of the wild 
tribes surrounding New Mexico. 

I think there should be appointed at least five agents for the five following 
tribes viz Comanches, Southern Apaches, Navajoes, Utahs, and Northern 
Apaches or as the latter are sometimes called the Jicarillas; though the last are 
omitted by Col. Calhoun they are entirely separate and distinct from any other 
tribe and are preeminently distinguished for their ferocity and cruelty, they 
infest our northern settlements and have been a greater annoyance to New 
Mexico than any other tribe either within or surrounding our Territory. 

The Pueblos or civilized Indians residing within the settlements of New 
Mexico a very peaceable honest and industrious people possess many of the 
rights of citizenship, they do not exceed in numbers about 7000, and might be 
divided into three districts and an agent appointed for each. They own the best 
lands now under cultivation in that country and their claims are undoubted 
good grants from the Spanish and Mexican governments ; but for some years 
past trespasses and gradual encroachments have been committed upon their 
lands by the Mexicans. I see no way in which our government can aid them in 
adjusting these conflicting claims except by assisting them with the advice of 
counsel and agents whenever their causes or complaints are brought before the 
proper judicial tribunals. These different Pueblos are now according to law 
Quasi Gorporations, and to a great extent have the management of their own 
affairs, and the internal police of their towns, and can appear in any court 
and sue and be sued by the name of their separate towns and villages. 

In reference to salaries and compensation to be paid such officers in that 
country, I would suppose that the Superintendent of Indian affairs residing at 

least 
Santa Fe' should receive at twenty five hundred Dollars per annum, and 

that he could not live there for less, and other agents and employees should be 
paid in proportion, as the expense of living there is greatly more than here. 

A very desirable effect might be produced upon some of the wild tribes of 
Indians by sending a delegation from each tribe to Washington City. By 
allowing the tribes themselves to select some of their principal chief men for 
this visit you would secure to those distant savages some idea of the strength 
and power of our government, a correct knowledge of which would induce a 
greater disposition to enter into formal stipulations, and secure a better good 
faith in the execution and observance of their treaties. 

But in connexion with all this allow me to remark that Superintendents, 
agents, nor formal contractors nor commissioners can be effective without the 
presence and cooperation for some time of a strong and active military force; 
it should be well mounted and composed of those hardy and adventurous 
pioneers and mountain men who are to be found upon our frontier and should 
always be commanded by an officer well acquainted with Indian character and 
warfare. The officer commanding against those Indians should be vigilant, 

5021—15 15 



226 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

prompt and energetic, undnunted by any difficulties or obstacles, he should 
pursue tbeni through their mountain haunts and wild retreats and never desist 
until he has visited their first infractions of their treaty with severe and 
speedy punishment. Every day we hear of fresh acts of outrage being com- 
mitted by those Indians, and our government has so long delayed its punish- 
ment that they now believe they can commit any depredations with impunity, 
and will hardly go through with the formality of making a treaty. A timely 
interference and check imposed now by our government might prevent at com- 
paritively a small cost those massacres and terrible scenes of bloodshed which 
will undoubtedly ensue if those Indians are permitted to go on and add to their 
strength by combinations of the different tribes, and which would entail upon 
our government a succession of military operations more protracted and more 
expensive than the famous Florida War 
Most IJespectfu ly 

Your obt servt 

Hugh N Smith 
To - 

Orlando Brown Esqr 

Coiitmisfiioner of Indian Affairs 

Washington City 

D. C. 

[CALHOUN TO BROWN.^] 

No. 70. 

Indian Agency. 
Santa Fe, Keav Mexico. 

Jubj 15th 1850. 
Sir, 

The enclosed certificate will show you that thirteen captives have 
been rescued and released, in compliance with a treaty stipulation 
between the United States and Mexico, entered into in 1848. To re- 
duce expenditures as much as possible, I thouglit it best, to send the 
captives to El Paso — 

I have not had time to prepare an account of expenditures incurred 
in releasing them, but will do so, at an early day — ^Nor have I had 
time to prepare my a/c current for the quarter ending on the 30th 
of June — 

On yesterday I was obliged to raise a thousand dollars for the use 
of this Agency, and drcAV for that amount, payable a sight to Cyrus 
Choice, which I trust the Department Avill cause to be honored. 
Very respectfully. 

Your obt. servt 

J. S. Cai.iioun 

Ind. Agt. 
Ok. Brown Esqr 

Comr. of Ind. Affs 

> O. I. a., Santa F6 Agency, C 497. 



COEEESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUK. 227 

[Inclosure.] 

This is to certify, that I have this 27th day of June 1850, received 
from Mr. John G. Jones Agent of J. S. Calhoun, United States 
Indian Agent, residing at Santa Fe, New Mexico, Thirteen Captives, 
rescued and released in compliance with treaty stipulations of 
Eighteen hundred and forty eight, entered into between the United 
States and Mexico — The Captives are known by the names as 
follows. — 

(Viz) 
1st Refocio Priaros— from near St lago, Durango. 
2nd Teodoro Martel " La Paps near Saltillo. 

3d Candalalario Galope " Fernandez near Santa Clara. 

4th Rosalie Terares " Monclova 

6th Roman Felice " Sonora 

6th Valvaneda Mendes " Sonora 

7th Marguerite Belardo " Sonora 

8th Jose INIarea " Sonora 

9th Cruz Romaro " Sonora 

10th Juan de Dios Fernandez, Sonora 
11th Patro Cocoba " Sonora 

12th Patro Rejalva " Sonora 

13th Revfeta Mendes " Sonora. 

Villa del Paso el Norte Mejico Junis 27 de 1850 

Comr. pr'al de frontera 

Jose N. Peieto 

[CALHOUN TO BROWN.'] 

No. 71. 

Indian Agency, 
Santa Fe, New Mexico. 

July IGth 1850. 
Sir, 

A moment is afforded to me to enclose the accompanying Treaty,^ 
which I felt it to be my duty to make, under the authority of your 
letter of the 24th of April last. 

The treaty is made with the Pueblos of Santa Clara — Tesuque — 
Nambe — Santo Domingo — Jemez — San Felipe — Cochiti — San Ilde- 
fonso — Santa Ana — and Cia (or Silla) the only Pueblos I have been 
able to see since the receipt of your letter alluded to — I hope to be 

1 O. I. A., Santa F6 Agency, C 408. See File-box, " Treaties, Originals, &c., &c." 
» See facsimile, pp. 238-246. 



228 COREESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

able to see the others in a short time, and there is no doubt as to their 
entering into similar stipulations. 
With great respect, 

Your obt Servt. 



Orlando Brown, Esq. 

Comr. of Ind. Afs 



J. S. Calhoun 

hid. Agt 



Washington City 

D. C. 

[CALHOUN TO BROWN.'] 

Xo 72. 

Indian Agency. 
Santa Fe, New Mexico 

July 30th. 1850. 
Sir, 

On yesterday morning a mail was received with dates from Wash- 
ington City as late as the 20th of June. Your annual report was 
all that I received from the Department. 

It is exceedingly to be regretted, and really embarrassing to me, 
that the necessary appropriations have not yet been made by Con- 
gress. 

You were advised by my No. TO, (July 15) that I had drawn on 
the Department for one thousand dollars, payable at Sight. The 
whole of that sum is exhausted, and although I have not yet been 
subjected to any absolute inconvenience, you will readily perceive 
that I can be in no very quiescent state — I suppose before the draft 
for the $1000 is presented, the necessary appropriations will have 
passed. But whether passed or not, I pray you protect the draft — 
I shall submit to serious inconveniences before I assume a similar 
responsibility in drawing — In consequence of the great number of 
Indian Deputations that has visited me during the last three months, 
my expenses have been very heavy, and although my means are ex- 
hausted, my necessary agents and assistants are unpaid, and although 
they are subjected to some inconvenience, yet, they have, so far, 
submitted uncomplainingly, as they know it might be hazardous in 
me to draw upon the Department without authority. 

On the morning of the 16th inst, or the previous evening, a large 
number of animals were driven off, by Indians, from near Moro — 
This fact, with an application from the Citizens of that neighbor- 



» O. I. A., Santa F6 Agency, C 487. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 229 

hood to be permitted to organize and pursue the Indians, and retake 
their property, was communicated to Governor Munroe on the morn- 
ing of the 17th. The permission was promptly granted, and they 
are now out with a small detachment of our own troops. We are 
in hourly expectation of hearing from them. 

On the 25th inst. the Navajos drove off from Polvedara, a village 
upon the west side of the Rio del Norte, about twelve miles north 
of Socoro, a military post, a number of oxen — Report says, they were 
pursued by some Mexicans, on foot, overtaken, and three of the 
Indians killed — This report needs confirmation. 

The animals taken off by a band of Utahs, about which I wrote 
you on the 15 inst (No 68) have been returned, at which time several 
of the chiefs visited our military post at Abiquin, and made frequent 
and strong declarations in favor of a peaceable and quiet life, and 
their determination to adhere strictly to the terms of the treaty — It 
may be well to remember, these declarations are only valuable when 
you have the power to coerce such people. An agent who was sent 
into the Utah Country some ten days ago, travelled, as he supposes, 
about sixty miles north from Abiquin, and found a great number 
of Utah Lodges, variously estimated at from five to fifteen hundred — 
The estimate to a Lodge, generally, is about one warrior and a half 
to a Lodge. It is represented, these Indians are well supplied with 
provisions, skins, and animals, excellent muskets and Rifles, and a 
superabundance of Powder and Lead; and were constantly amusing 
themselves by firing at marks. Major Graham, the commanding 
officer at Abiquin, had been ordered to abandon that post, and had 
marched for Alburquque; but so soon as the foregoing facts were 
made known to Col. Munroe, the Major was ordered to retrace his 
steps — The citizens near that frontier are under painful apprehen- 
sions. 

On the I7th of the present month, facts were communicated to me, 
that induced a faint hope that Mr and Mrs AVliite's daughter yet sur- 
vived. I immediately despatched Auguste Lacome, with instruc- 
tions, if possible, to reach the encampment of the " Jiccarrilles." the 
band of Apaches who commit most of their depredations north of 
Taos. There, it was said, the child would be found. On the 23d. 
inst. near the foot of a mountain, at a place known as Vale Gulebra^ 
some two days north of the Rio Colorado, which flows into the Rio 
del Norte, Lacome found himself near some twenty Lodges inhab- 
ited by Utahs. — About forty warriors came out to meet him, and 
finally managed to get hold of his rifle, and filled the barrel with 
water — Lacome had with him an interpreter and two peons only. 

they 
So soon as the rifle was rendered unfif for service, proceeded to 



230 CORRESrONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

examine his packs, and divided ainon*:: ilienisolves his Stock in trade, 
consistini? of about six hundred and ninety dollars in Indian goods — 
one hoi-se, and one mule. The Indians, at one time, had resolved to 
kill the party Avith the exception of one of the peons, who was to be 
allowed to live that he might tell Col. Munroe what they had done - 
An arrow was sped at Lacome, but failed its mark in consequence 
of the Interpreter's jarring the Indian who held the bow. Finally, 
by various promises, and hard begging, the Indians abandoned their 
murderous designs, but gave a severe whipping to the interpreter 
and a peon — Lacome's rife being too heavy for Indian service, it was 
returned to him. Lacome explained to them, he was in search of the 
( " Jiccarrilles " for the purpose of trading with them — They replied, 
j it mattered not what his object was, they w^ere the lords of that 
region — the whole country was theirs, not only the grass, wood and 
' water, but the winds and the sky above was theirs, and that he, La- 
come, should not proceed one step further north — and ordered him to 
return forthwith, and bade him to present their compliments to 
Governor Munroe, and say to him, representing as he may Ameri- 
cans, Mexicans, and Texans, they desired to try his rnetal in battle^ 

they 
that wanted no peace with either, and would have none — This 

is a band of the Utahs known as the " Marches," led on by one Am- 
pariia, said to be a bold and fearless chief. 

These Indians had descended from the mountains that morning, 
where they had been in camp with the " Jiccarrilles " who had about 
one hundred and twenty lodges. AVhile the Utahs occupied the west 
side, the .Jiccarrilles were to occupy the east, so as to secure the per- 
sons and property of some traders who are daily expected to return 
from the Kioways— they have taken their positions not remote from 
the Spanish Peaks — The estimate for this class of Indians is three 
warriors to a Lodgo— 

luunodiatoly after Lacome, returned to Taos, the a petition of 
which the following is a copy, was forwarded to Col. Munroe. 

To His Excellency, Governor Munroe, Military and Civil Gov- 
ernor of New Mexico. 

The undersigned citizens of the County of Taos, w^ould respect- 
fully represent that the Apache Indians are within a days travel, 
and but a few days ago entered the village of the Rio Colorado, and 
are daily becoming bolder in their depredations. We therefore pray 
Your Excellency to issue an order for a campaign of the People of 
this County. The bearer of this petition while explain the present 



COKEESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 231 

Avhereabouts of these Indians, their feelings &c. as he has just re- 
turned from their village. 

(Signed) 
James H. Quinn Auguste Lacome 

LuciEN B. Maxwell Jose Manuel Arrogon 

Thomas Birch Anto. Jose Valdez 

Wir. Krowing Vital Truhillo 

Wm, Becket. Phillipe Aragon 

Francis Laeoret Jean Baptiste Charlefour 

CiioTEAU Laforet Anto. Laforet. 

Carlos Beaubien Christopher Corson. 

Charles Ortebees 
Wm. White 

It escaped my recollection at the proper point, to say, the Utahs 
first mentioned in this letter, say they procure their munitions of 
War from the M ormo ns^ and a trading post near the Great Salt 
Lake— "" 

I also, ommited to say, that Lacome was permitted to bring off 
four of his own mules; they were worn out and unfit for service — 
The Indians gave him two Oxen and two cows, which show they are 
not suffering for food — 

In reference to the above Petition, I do not know what the Gov- 
ernor may have ordered. 
I am, 

Sir, 

With great respect, 

Your obt Servt. 

James S. Calhoun 

Incl. Agt 
Orlando Brown Esqr. 
Comr. of Ind. Afs. 

Washington City 

D. C. 

[CALHOUN TO BROWN.'] 

No 73. 

Indian Agency 
Santa Fe, New Mexico 

Juhj 31, 1850 
Sir, 

The enclosed papers exhibit the present aspect of political affairs 
in this territory. 

1 O. I. a., Santa F6 Agency, C 486. 



232 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

No. 1. Shows that Texas has taken the iniatory in extending her 
jurisdiction over this territory, by ordering certain elections on mon- 
day next. 

No. 2. Governor Alvarez's proclamation ordering certain elections 
to be held on the second monday in August next, under the recent 
State organization of this territory. 

No. 3. Governor Munroe's proclamation announcing his purpose 
to continue the military organization until he is otherwise instructed 
from Washington — You will observe that he speaks in emphatic 
terms in relation to Governor Alvarez's proclamation, but not a word 
in allusion to the Texan order. 

These conflicting efforts have not created the slightest excitement 
except with the immediate actors in this triangular love of order and 
good government, and the old and time honored incumbents of mis- 
rule, as they are called by those who are not in office — 

hear 

Judging from the past, you will doubtless of much excite- 

ment, and insurrectionary designs against the old territorial organiza- 
tion — If I could so far stultify myself, I should beleive such reports, 

the 
because Governor has ordered the troops from several of the out- 
posts to concentrate at interior points — But, I do not beleive there is 
one man in this territory, who, in his wildest moments, ever dreamed 
of attempting to seize the reins of government by force — There can 
be no contest between the people and the military power of this 
territory — 

In conclusion, I will remark, there was danger, at one time, of 
civil strife and bloodshed between antagonistical parties for politi- 
cal supremacy, and, on that occasion, I have reason to beleive, the 
Pueblo Indians were tampered with — But the overwhelming defeat 

established 
of the supposed invincible party has g iven, so far as I 

am able to judge, perfect tranquility among the people, 

notwithstanding the great efforts made to provoke an outbreak. 

This much I have deemed it necessary to say, in order that my ver- 
sion of the present state of affairs here, may be placed before the 
Department. 
I am, 

Sir, 

With great respect. 

Your obt. Servt. 

J. S. Calhoun 
Orlando Brown Esqr. Ind. Agt 

Comr. of Ind. Affs. 

Washington City 

D. G. 



COEKESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 233 

[Inclosures] 

No. 1 (Copy). 

ELECTION NOTICE 

In accordance with the law and the proclamation of the Governor 
of the State of Texas, there will be a general election held throughout 
the State of Texas on the first Monday in August next, for the follow- 
ing Officers: To Wit, 1 Secretary of State, 1 Attorney General, 1 
Cheif Justice and 2 Associate Justices of the Supreme Court, 1 Com- 
missioner of the General Land Office, 1 Adjutant General, 1 Treas- 
urer and one Controler. 

Within the county of Santa Fe; 

Also at the same time and place officers for the County of Santa Fe, 

To Wit one Cheif Justice of the County Court four County Com- 
missioners 1 Coroner 1 Sheriff, 1 Clerk of the district Court, 1 Clerk 
of the County Court and 1 Assessor and Collector. 

Also at the same time and place for district officer with the County, 

To Wit, 2 Justice of the peace and one Constable for each district. 

For the district of Toas (No 1) 2 justice of the peace and Con- 
stable—Rio Ariba (No 2) 2 J. P. & Constable. Santa Fe (No 3) 
2 J. P. & 1 Const. Santa Anna (No 4) 2 Justice of the Peace Con- 
stabl. Burnadilla (No. 5) 2 Justice of the Peace & 1 constable. San 
Miguel (No 6) 2 J. P. & 1 Const. 

For the first district as numbered above the election will be held at 
the most convenient place in the Town of Taos. In the second at the 
most usual place of transacting public business. In the 3d. at any 
convenient place in the Town of Santo Fe ; In the fourth at the Town 
of Algodonis. In the fifth at the Town of Alburquerque. For the 
6th at the Town of San Miguel. 

The presiding officers for each precinct will be appointed between 
this and the time of the election and furnished with all necessary 
instructions. In case of the failure or refusal of the regular presid- 
ing officer to act it will be Lawful for the elector (Voters) present 
at the precinct to appoint a presiding officer who will as in ordinary 
cases appoint 2 Judges and 2 Clerks of the election the presiding 
officers will make their returns to me within Ten days from and after 
the election In accordance with instructions. 

Alburquerque July 20th 1850. 

S. M. Baird 
Judge of the 11th Judicial District 

of the State of Texas. 



234 COEEESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN, 

No. 2. 

PROCLAMA 

Como en Virtud de un acto de la Legislatura del Estado de Nuevo 
Mejico aprovado el dia 12 de Julio de 1850. es obligacion de dicho 
Estado de expedir su proclamacion ordenando la eleccion de ciertos 
oficiales. 

Por tantos, sepan todos, que gro Manuel Albarez Vice Gobernador, 
funcionando de Gobernador, por la precente ordeno y requiero que 
se liaga una eleccion el segundo Lunez de Augusto proximo en los 
diferentes precintos de los diferentes Candados de este estado para 
los siguientes oficiales; para cada Candado. 
1 Alcalde primero 
1 Alguacil 
1 Coronario, 
Y para el condado de Taos seis Alcaldes y seis Sota-Alguaciles, 
id Eio Ariba Seis Alcaldes y seis Sota-Alguaciles. 
id Santa Fe seis Alcaldes y seis Sota-Alguaciles. 
id San Miguel Cuartro Alcaldes y Cuartro Sota-Alguaciles 
id Santa Ana tres Alcaldes y tres Sota-Alguaciles. 
id Bernalillo Conco Alcaldes y Cinco Sota-Alguaciles. 
id Valencia cuartro Alcaldes y Cuatro Sota-Alguaciles. 
id Socorro Cinco Alcaldes, y Cinco Sota-Alguaciles. 
Por un acto de clicha Legislatura aprovada el 5 de Julio de 1850, el 
Condado anteriormente conocido como el Condado de Valencia ful 
■dividido en dos candados, a Saber, Valencia y Socorro por una linea 
tirada del oriente al Poniente, arriba de las ultimas casas del Sabinal ; 
y la parte de al Sur Mamado condado del Socorro procedera a la 
«elecion de los oficales como se dice arriba — 

Dado bajo de mi firme y sello particular per falto del gran 
L. s. Sello del Estado en la Cuidad de Santa Fe. a 20 de Julio 
1850. 

Lewis D. Sheetz 

Secretary of State. 

No. 3. 

Al Prefecto del Condado de 

Senor : — 

Por cuanto: dos documentos firmados "Manuel Alvarez, Vice- 
Gobernador del Estado de Nuevo Mejico," dirigidos al Prefecto del 
condado de Santa Fe, uno significa ser una proclamacion para tener 
elecciones, y el otro un extracto tomado de una ley pasada en la 
ultima seccion de "la Legislatura del Estado de N. Mejico," 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 235 

dirigiendo el tiempo y la manera de tener ciertas elecciones, me han 
sido remitidos por dicho Prefecto; y como se presume que iguales 
documentos han sido dirigidos a los otros Prefectos de los diferentes 
condado del Territorio, esta V. por este instruido, que el Gobierno del 
Estado de Nuevo Mejico no tiene existencia legal, hasta que Nuevo 
Mejico este amitido en la Union como Estada por el Congreso de los 
Estados Unidos, y que hasta que este asi determinado de otra manera 
por autoridad competente, el presente Gobierno continuara, y sera 
sostenido como el Gobierno actual del Territorio de Nuevo Mejico. 

Por tanto V. se desentendera de la proclama, mandatos u otros 
actos espedidos por mano de Alvarez, Vice-Gobernador, o cualquiera 
otro oficial bajo del dicho Gobierno de Estado, y tener los mismos 
como nulos y de ningun efecto, y cualquiera comunicacion hecha a V. 
por el arriba espresado u otros, esta V. por esta instruido a remitir 
inmediatamente al Secretario del Territorio, por orden de John 
Munroe, Gobernador Militar y Civil del Territorio de Nuevo Mejico. 

Dado bajo mi firma en la Secretaria del Territorio, este veinte y 
tres dia de Julio, ano de mil ocho cientos y cincuenta. 

[CALHOUN TO BROWN.'] 

No. 74. 

Indian Agency. 
Santa Fe, New Mexico. 

July 31st 1850. 
Sir, 

This morning it is reported, that Maj Grier,^ with the citizens who 
were authorized by Col. Munroe to organize and pursue the Indians 
who recently drove oil from near the Moro a number of animals, 
came upon a number of Indians some two or three days travel north 
of Rayado, and in two skirmishes which he had with them, killed 
six Indians, wounded a number, and securred a number of Horses, 
Mules, Sheep, and beef Cattle. 

The foregoing facts are credited at Head Quarters, but the official 
report had not been received this morning. 

The prefect of Abiquin came in this morning, and says that some 
thirty odd traders were authorized by Genl. Choice to go to the Utah 
Lodges mentioned in my letter No. 72. for the purpose of trading 
with the Utahs — About three days ago they reached the Lodges, and 
finding the traders had no powder or lead to sell them, they retained 
thirty of them as prisoners, and sent two or three to Abiquin for 
certain Mexicans to come to them and explain why powder and lead 

1 O. I. A., Santa F6 Agency, C 488. 

« For Report of Major Grier, see A. G. O., Department of New Mexico, G 33 of 1850. . 



236 COERESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

is not sold to them — They told the traders, in the mean time, they 
might trade with their woman, but, as they had nothing that a man 
wanted, they could not trade with them. 

The prefect states, that the Mexicans sent for, speak the Utah 
language, and did not hesitate to leave after confering with Genl. 
Choice, who sent to the Indians a message, the purport of which was 
unknown to the i^refect. 

The prefect left Abiquin on yesterday, but as he did not inform 
Genl. Choice of his intention to come to this place, I am without the 
requisite intelligence from the General — 

Unless to accomj)lish some end, in perfect unison with the military 
views of that post. General Choice had no authority to grant trading 
licenses to any person, I therefore doubt the correctness of the in- 
formation, which the Prefect says he received from others, that he 
had issued to this trading party licenses to trade with the Utahs — I 
have uniformly refused all applications for licenses to trade with 
Apaches, Navajos, and Utahs, except so far as they were immediately 
connected with, and designed to effect the liberation of Mrs. White, 
her daughter and servant. But Sir, under the circumstances existing 
here, a license is a matter of but slight consequence to a trader, for, 
if he succeeds, his profits are quite satisfactory, and he will not often 
fail if he will take with him a proper supply of powder and ball — 
It is true, the Military power of the territory may harrass for a time, 
but what more can they do, since trading with Indians is no violation 
of LaAV, or any Military order? 

It is painful to perceive, that the true conditions of matters in this 
territory, the dangers which are impending, are not thoroughly un- 
derstood at Washington, because truthful statements are evidently 
discredited. 

An express 

Thc - ni itil for the States closes this afternoon, and my pressing 
duties do not allow me to add another word at this moment. 
With great respect. 

Your obt. servt 

J. S. Calhoun 

Ind. Agt. 

O. Brown Esqr. 

Comr. of Ind. Afs. 
Washin(/fon City 
D. G. 
P. S. 

A copy of my letter to Genl. Choice accompanies this communica- 
tion — 

J. S. C. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 



237 



PACSIMILE OF CALHOUN'S LETTER TO ORLANDO BROWN, JULY 16, 
1850, AND OF THE INDIAN TREATY WHICH IT ENCLOSED. 




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238 COEEESPONDEiNCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 



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CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 247 

[CALHOUN TO CHOICE.'] 

[Copy.] 

Indian Agency 
Santa Fe, New Mexico 

JuUj 31st 1S50. 
Sir. 

The Prefect from Abiqiiin came to me this morning with the in- 
formation that you had granted licenses to some thirty odd traders 
to go into the Utah Country for the purpose of trading with the 
Utahs — I hope this is not so, as you are aware, that I have uniformly 
refused all api)lications for permission to trade' with the Apaches, 
Navajos and Utahs, except in the cases where the design was to se- 
cure the liberation of Mrs. AVhite, her daughter, and servant. These 
Indians are in the hands of the Military power of this Department, 
and we have no authority to interfere, except so far as said power 
may desire our action in obtaining desired information. 

The Prefect, also, informs me that thirty of these traders are re- 
tained at the Lodges of the Utahs as prisoners, and that they sent 
to Abiquin for two Mexicans, who could speak the Utah language, 
to come to them and explain why the Americans do not allosv powder 
and lead to be sold to them, and he further states, the tAvo JNIexicans, 
after consulting with you, and receiving your instructions, left for 
the Utah Camp on yesterday — 

I need not say to you, I feel deeply concerned in relation to this 
aflfair, and I fear the lives of the traders are in great jeopardy — 
I beg that you will at the earliest possible day, give me full and 
particular information in reference to this entire transaction, and 
the fate of the traders. 

I regret that the Prefect, did not allow you to know that he was 
coming to this place. 

A mail closes for the States this afternoon, and I write in great 
haste. — 

Your obt servt. 

(Signed) J. S. Calhoun 

Inch Agt. 
Genl. Cyrus Choice 

Ahiquin 

New Mexico 

1 Inclosed with No 74. 



248 COKRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

[CALHOUN TO BROWN.'] 

No. 75. 

Indian Agency, 

Santa Fe, New Mexico. 

August 6, 1850. 
Sir, 

An Abstract of Current Expenses, and Account Current for the 
second quarter of the present year, ending June 30th 1850, of this 
Agency, accompanies ^ this note. 

for the 1st quarter 
You will remember, that the Account Current 
exhibited a deficiency of thirteen hundred and two dollars and ninety 
four cents — 

say $1302. 94 

The accompanying Account Current shows an 
aggregate Deficiency during the present 
quarter of 1006. 25 



Deficiency on the 30th of June 1850 $2309. 19 

This deficiency will be increased by the end of 

the 3d quarter, Sept. 30, 1850. 1000. 00 

$3309. 19 
Less the amount of my draft on the 
Department, dated July 14/50 

(See my No 70.) $1000.00 

$2309. 19 
This deficiency does not include, you will perceive, such compensa- 
tion as should be allowed to Genl. Cyrus Choice, who has been ac- 
tively engaged in aiding and assisting me, by authority of Governor 
Munroe, Since the 9th day of December, 1849. (see my letters Nos. 
29, 34 & 35, Genl. Choice is yet at Abiquin, rendering to the country 
important services — He ought to be compensated, and I hope it will 
be agreeable to the President of the United States to confer upon 
him the appointment of Agent for the Utah Indians, and at the 
same time authorize me to pay him liberally for services already ren- 
dered. 

Mr. John G. Jones is, also, entitled to liberal compensation for im- 
portant services rendered me in the discharge of my duties — For the 

1 O. I. A., Santa F^ Agency, C 514. 

a Enclosures not found, although the record shows they were filed in the Finance Divi- 
sion of the Indian OflBce. 



COERESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 249* 

last four months he has been constantly engaged as Secretary in my 
office, and previous to that period, he acconiiDanied me in the Navajo 
c-xpidition with Col. Washington; also, to Jemez in October 1849, 
and in January last to Taos — I hope I may have authority to pay 
Mr Jones for his services, and that it may be agreeable to confer 
upon him the appointment of Agent in a Pueblo district — 

You will remember that Genl. Choice and William E. Love, also, 
accompanied me in the Navajo expedition, and Mr John H. Davis 
was left in charge of my office during my absence — (see my letter 
No 10.) Mr Love and Mr Davis are my sons-in-law, and left for the 
States on the 16th of April last — they both gave me efficient aid up to 
the time of their departure — If the laborer should be paid for serv- 
ices, these men are entitled to some compensation — I desire you to 
understand, distinctly, I have made to no one of them promises of 
compensation beyond the mere agreeing to submit the matter to your 
consideration — In connection with this subject, I take leave to say, 
/ ought to he allowed a Secretary^ at the pay of fifteen hundred dol- 
lars per annum, from the first day of August, 1849 — This would be 
hut sheer justice to your Agent, (the writer.), and meet out to my 
assistants something like a due reward for services voluntarily ren- 
dered. 

I will merely add, it is of the utmost importance to my feeling, and 
to my usefulness as a public servant, that I should have immediate 
pecuniary relief. 
I am, 

Your obt. servt. 

James S. Calhoun, 

Ind. Agt 
Orlando Brown Esqr. 

Comr. <&c &c. 

'Washington City, 

D. C. 

[CALHOITN TO BROWN.'] 

No. 76. 

Indian Agency. 

Santa Fe, New Mexico. 

August 12, 1850. 
Sir, 
On the 7th and 8th of this month, the Gobernador, the Captain de 

came to 
Guerra, and other Principals from the Pueblo of Zuiii, 
Santa Fe, 

not only for the purpose of signifying their concurrence 

1 O. I. a., Santa F6 Agency, C 51^ 



250 COEEESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

in the terms of the treaty proposed, and signing the same, but also, 
for the purpose of urging the Commanding Officer of this Military 
Department to permit them to make war upon the Navajds — 

These people made a similar application to Col. Washington, as T 
advised you in my No. 10. dated Oct. 15, 1849: Their application 
was not then acceded to. On this occasion Col. Monroe has con- 
sented to their wishes, and has furnished them with powder and 
lead to a limited extent. 

Within the last four weeks the Navajos have made two assaults 
upon Zuni. -On the first assault, they killed two of the Zuhi In- 
dians, and on the second the Governor's Lieutenant was killed, and 
.several animals kiUed were driven off. 

It appears the Pueblos did not venture far beyond the walls of 
the Pueblo — although they saw not more than fifty Navajos the 
first time, and about one hundred the second time, yet they appre- 
hended the assailants were an advanced party of a more formidable 
force = 

In a note to my number 10. you will perceive, I have given my 
authority for saying, at that time, there were fve hundred and ninety 
seven men in the Pueblo of Zuhi, and only forty two muskets and 
rifles — leaving five hundred and fifty five without fireaivns. On the 
present occasion they again begged for arms, in which, I do not 
think they were successful — Their present undertaking is a fearful 
one, and I fear will prove disastrous unless other Pueblos fly to the 
rescue — Col. Munroe has intimated, that if the supreme authorities 
of the respective Pueblos will apply to him, in person, his consent 
may be obtained for conjoint operations against the Navajos by the 
applying Pueblos= 

In order that you may have a correct understanding of the feel- 
ings of the Pueblo of Zuhi, who alone have spoken out what seemed 
to be their thoughts, it is proper that I should state, the Governor of 
Zuhi, inveighed, in very emphatic terms, against the disappointments, 
(he meant deceits) to which he, and others, had been subjected to since 
Genl. Kearney entered the country, and pledged to them the protec- 
tection of the Government of the United States. He enquired, how 
does it happen that at the very moment the Navajos are commencing 
a war against the him, (the Pueblo of Zuhi) the American troops are 
withdrawn from Cibolletta ? He answered, I suppose to give the 
Navajos a fair chance against us — who were promised protection = 
It will be remembered, that there has been a concentration of troops 
at interior posts, for reasons which I have not appreciated, and the 
troops formerly at Cibolletta are now at Albuquerque = These move- 
ments are not understood by the Pueblo Indians, and will not in- 
crease their affection and confidence for the Government of the 
United States. 



COERESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 251 

This morning, the Governors and others from the Pueblos of Santa 
Domingo, Cochiti, Jemez, Cia, Santa Ana, San Felipe, and Sandia, 
waited upon Col. Munroe, as they supposed, in obedience to his 
orders. In this supposition the Indians were not quite correct — In 
the earlier part of this letter, I have stated that Col. Munroe had 
intimated his willingness to grant to such Pueblos as might apply, 
leave to engage in a war against the Navajos — This fact was seized 
upon, and some interested watcher of movements caused these Indians 
to be notified that Col. Munroe desired to confer with them to-day 
in relation to a Navajo war — The Indians announced their readiness 
to obey any and all orders, that Col. Munroe should direct to them. 
But as no orders were directed to them, the war project being left 
exclusively to the discretion of the Indians, they have just signified 
to me, they will leave for their homes to night, for the purpose of 
attending to their own business, and I commend them for the Avisdom 
of their conclusion — I will add but the remark, that a general war 
between the Pueblo Indians and the Navajos, would beget results that 
every lover of humanity would deeply deplore — and the policy of per- 
mitting such a war^ is a question for others to determine. 

THE UTAHS= 

In my letter, No. 74, dated July 31, 1850, I furnished you with a 
statement, made to me by the Prefect of Abiquin, in relation to 
Licenses granted by Genl. Choice to Mexicans to trade with the 
TJtahs — I transmitted to you a copy of my letter to Genl. Choice in 
reference to the Prefect's statement. The General came immediately 
to this Agency, and confirmed my first impressions upon tlie state- 
ment. The facts, briefly stated, are as follows — In compliance with 
the earnest, and frequent requests of the Utahs, to aUow traders to 
visit them, Genl. Choice, under the advice of the Commanding Officer, 
Maj. Graham, of Abiquin, gave permission to several to go out — and 
in a few hours they were with the Utahs — But, as they were not al- 
lowed to take with them powder and lead, for the purposes of trade, 
they were not making as profitable trades as they otherwise might, 
they resorted to the fabrication of the falsehood that thirty were 
held as prisoners, for the release of whom, it was supposed, that Genl. 
Choice would allow them to take powder to the Utahs — Failing in 
this, their next effort was to Col. Munroe, and if he gave orders on 
the subject, I am not advised of the fact — The Prefect next came to 
me, and by him, I sent my letter to Genl. Choice — Before the Prefect 
returned to Abiquin, the traders had returned with a number of the 
Utah chiefs, and the chiefs were with Genl. Choice at 12 o'clk. at 
night, when my letter was delivered to him — As far as it was neces- 
cary, Genl. Choice caused the contents of my letter to be made known 



252 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

to the chiefs, who expressed their utmost surprise at the story of the 
thirty traders retained as prisoners. — The entire statement was a 
base fabrication for base purposes. They remained in Genl. Choice's 
quarters during the night, and it is General Choice's opinion that the 
Utahs, generally, at this time, are honestly purposed — to comply with 
the terms of the treaty I made with them on the 30th of Deer, last — 
Of course, you will not understand him to give a favorable opinion 
of the intentions of such hands as associate with the Apaches and 
Navajos= 

They begged Genl. Choice, as he loved his own kith and kin, to 
procure for them some little powder and ball, that they might be 
enabled to secure meat for their wives and daughters. 

After consultation with Col. Munroe, I determined to send them a 
keg of powder, and some lead, and directed Genl Choice to give it to 
them in small quantities, from time to time — 

=APACHES = 

Two days ago, the Apaches secured a number of Ap^ehes captives, 

the neighborhood of the 
and drove a large number of animals from 

" Ojo Caliente " — about fifteen miles east of Albiquin — Such wrongs 
are not to be remedied here. 
With great respect, 
I am. 

Your obt. Servt 

James S. Calhoun 

Ind. Agt 
Orlando Brown Esqr 

Comr. of Ind. Afs. 

W ashingt07i City^ D. C. 

[CALHOUN TO BROWN.'] 

No. 77. 

Indian Agency. 
Santa Fe, New Mexico. 

August 13, 1850 
Sir, 

My communication, No 73, dated July 31st, gave you the then 
aspect of political affairs in this territory — The elections for Texan 
officers were to come off on the 5th day of this month — The day, 
however, passed, and not a solitary effort was made to proceed with 
the election, nor did it excite the talking qualities of our very in- 
flammable fabricators of public sentiment. 

1 O. I. A., Santa F6 Agency, C 516. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 253 

The elections under the proposed state organization should have 
come off on yesterday, but no elections were held in this city, nor was 
any attempt made to induce the people to assemble at the polls, 
unless the two documents, of which copies will accompany this note, 
shall be so regarded — The precise object of the two documents is 
beyond my comprehension; one is dated the 8th the other the 9th 
of August, but both were simultaneously published on the latter day, 
two days only, intervening between that period and the day of the 
proposed election. 

The truth is, in my judgement, the much talked of insurrectionary 
designs, and certain movements and concentration of troops, has so 
completely chilled the anxieties of those who had been honestly 
desirous of a state organization, it required a much earlier and more 
powerful effort than the two documents exhibit to animate and bring 
to life again, the really laudable designs frustrated, indeed silenced 
in death, by Governor Munroe's proclamation which I enclosed to 
you in my No 73. and his subsequent disposition of troops. There 
is one fact not to be questioned, that although bloody and fearful 
civil strife may occur, it will never happen that the people of this 
territory will ever array themselves against the military authority 
of the Government of the United States, unless they are sustained 
by stronger arms than they possess. It is true, the people feel deeply 
mortified, 1 mean the reflecting portion of them who desired to 
assume what they supposed, was a natural right, that of self govern- 
ment, that the very power which authorized them to confer to-gether 
upon the subject, is the very power that compels them to submit to 
the old order of affairs, and continue their submission and obedience 
to rulers they have long detested — a party that violently opposed a 
State organization until Governor Munroe required them to do 
otherwise — and they have now come to the conclusion, if their at- 
tempted State organization is now to be set aside, these old rulers are 
to be their masters under a territorial government, as they take it for 
granted, that Congress will adjust the Texan Claim. 

The foregoing is respectfully submitted as a record of the times. 
I am. 

With great respect. 

Your obt. servt. 



Orlando Brown Esqr. 

Comr. of Ind. Affs. 

Washington City 
D.C 



James S. Calhoun 

Ind. Agt. 



254 



CORRESPONDEISrCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 



[Inclosures. ] 

No. 1. 

PROCLAMATION, 

7'6», the peojjle of the State of New Mexico. — 

Be it known that by virtue of a joint Resolution of the Senate and 
House of Representatives of said State, approved July 15th 1850, no 
officer elected or hereafter to be elected holding any office by appoint- 
ment under said State will attemp to, or exercise any jurisdiction 
under, or by authority of said State until after the first day of 
Nov. A. D. 1850, and until after they are duly Commissioned to act 
as such, — 

Given under my hand and Seal &c &c. this 8th day of August 1850. 

(Signed) Manl Alvarez 

Acting Governor. 
No. 2. 

To, the prefect of the County of. <&c. <&c. 
Sir 

In your official character of Prefect., you will oppose no obstruc- 
tions to the holding of elections on the Twelfth of the current month, 
under the State Constitution — nor will you take any part in them, — 

You will not however recognise those elections as giving the per- 
sons chosen, any right to assume the duties of the offices to which 
they may be elected, until the competent authority has so decided 
by giving the act the validity of its sanction, — 

By order of Col John Munroe. 

Civil & Mil Governor. 

9th August 1850. 

[CALHOUN TO BROWN.'] 

No. 78. 

J Not on file in Indian Office but see entry for October 23, 1S50 in O. I. A., L. R., No. 38. 



O. I. A. Fanta F^ 
617 




In relation to "the anoma- 
lous condition ol affairs" 
in the Terry, of I'ew Mex- 
ico; about confiding 
claims of Pueblo Indns. & 
Mexicans to lands, and 
trespasses by the latter on 
fields &c and Ihe renewal 
of their claims to Indns. 
as peon*,-— fight between 
Pueblos of Lapuna and a 
hand of "'avajoes; — visit 
and complaints of Gov- 
ernors &c of pueblos of 
Cochiti, San lldefonso; 
Santa Clara &c of Mexican 
depredations upon their 
fields, &c.— Suggestions as 
to the necessity for the 
action of Congress upon 
Indn. Aflrs. of the Terri- 
tory, &c. &c. &c. 



Aekd 5 Dee. ' SO 



OOERESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 255 

[CALHOUN TO BROWN.'] 

No 79. 

Indian Agency. 

Santa Fe, New Mexico. 

August 30th 1850. 
Sir, 

The mail from the States was received on the 28th inst, bringing- 
St. Louis news-papers down to the 23d day of July. 

By this mail, I had hojoed to receive such information and instruc- 
tions as would remedy my embarrassments — But, in this, I have been 
disappointed — My pecuniary affairs, as Indian Agent, are known 
to you; and, allow me to add, I am aware, it may be necessary for 
the Department to await the action of Congress before it can releive 
the pressing and unpleasant necessities of this Agency — 

The incessant intercourse which I am compelled to have with the 
Pueblo Indians, is exceedingly expensive — and I have exhausted the 
Government funds, including my own salary, and, notwithstanding 
I have drawn upon the Department for one thousand dollars, yet I 
fear, at the end of this quarter, this Agency will be in debt to others 
than myself, near eight hundred dollars — My letters have explained 
to you why so many Pueblo Indians visit this Agency — When they 
come, they must be fed and taken care of— Their animals must be 
fed and corraled — All must be watched — The thirteen Pueblos with 
whom I have made treaties, have contributed very much to the 
increase of expenditures absolutely necessary But these things you 
already understand, and I only remind you of them that I may 

you 
respectfully request to releive this Agency of its embarrass- 

ments, at the earliest possible moment. 

the apaches 

These Indians are not idle — A few days ago, they drove off from 
grazing grounds, about twenty, or twenty-five miles below Socoro, a 
military post, a large number of animals, belonging to the United 
States. How many, I have not been able to ascertain — But, I sup- 
pose, at least, one hundred — About the same time, unknown Indians, 
or others, succeeded in driving off between eighty and ninet}' mules, 
at Cedar Creek, about Two hundred and forty miles from Santa Fe, 
on the Cimmarone route to the States — These mules belonged to 
Dr Connelly's train, and were returning from the United States, 

10. I. a., Santa F^ Agency, C 518. 



256 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

drawing waggons, 

freighted with merchandize — In that condition, 
they must lie to, until other animals can be procured and sent to 
them. 



No hostile manifestations of the Utahs, have come to my knowl- 
edge, during the past week — Genl. Cyrus Choice seems to have estab- 
lished a good understanding with them — They frequently visit him, 
at Abiquin — The following copy of a letter, the original of which, 
was transmitted to me by Gen. Choice, is, not only worthy of entire 
credit, but contains valuable information — 

" 3 MILES BELOW CROSSING OF St. JuAN. 

Dr. Genl. 

The bearer of this, Tamucha, came to camp last evening, and is the 
first Utah seen since leaving Abiquin. We have now in camp some ten 
or twelve — two Chiefs. These men aided us this morning in crossing 
the St. Juan. Their main encampment is some 3 or 4 leagues from 
here, on the Eio Piedra — and they seem peaceably inclined — They 
are a little importunate for presents; but otherwise very quiet and 
well inclined. Unless they change we anticipate no difficulties from 
them. Hitherto we have not seen any of the Utahs, we saw at your 
house. For Indians, they are seemingly clever. With very little 
trouble you can secure their lasting friendship. 

The Navajos will meet us on the Plata, and are said to be friendly, 
but we shall place no confidence in their professions. 

Hitherto, our trip has been pleasant. The country is remarkalily 
•well fitted for packing, but not for Waggons. I have never travelled 
through any region better Supplied with grass, water, and wood. 
We are on the Spanish trail, it has many ramos, but I beleive, lead- 
ing to the same point. An expedition with cavalry, or Infantry, 
could be readily made, and easily sustained. The country, up to 
this time, is better than New Mexico. We have gone over the Sierra 
Madre, and the same kind of country continues, only vegetation is 
far more abundant; and also, wild fruits, as red and black currants, 
service-berries, cherries &c. 

Treat the bearer well, as I have assured him you will; and also 
that it is the wish of our people to be friendly with them. Be good 
enough, if occasion offers, to send my lady word of my arrival here, 
in safety and good spirits. Our men are just eating some fine fish; 

Able 
but our mess fishers have not been so successful. Abel and Naugle 



COEEESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 257 

send love &c &c. Our encampment is, as most of them have been, 
very pleasant. A fine stream of water, luxuriant grass, fine trees, 
and good shade, are the soul of an encampment — 
August 11, 1850. 

Truly &c. W. Z. Augney." 

Capt. Augney and his party left here about the 25th of July last, 
with some ten or twelve thousand sheep for California. He is an 

a 
intelligent man, and lawyer of distinction, and implicit confidence 
may be reposed in the statement which he has been pleased to give 
to Gen. Choice — In relation to the locality of his camp, I have not 
been able to procure any reliable information. The Rios Piedra, and 
Plata are rivers unknown to me; but it seems they are not re- 
mote from each other, west of the Sierra Madre, and the first in 
the Utah countrj'^, and the latter in the Navajo region — It is per- 
fectly evident, that the whole Indian country should be thoroughly 
examined, and it does seem to me, in order to the more effectual 
checking of the Indians, that we should have fewer troops stationed 
in the interior towns, and a larger number upon the frontiers of this 
territory. And in this way your Quarter Master, and Commissary's 
Stocks could be better protected and grazed — It is not proper for me 
to say more upon this subject, as it would be trenching upon mat- 
ters with which another Department is charged. 

It may not be improper to state, the Bishop of Durango, Jose 
Antonio Zuberia, arrived in this City on Tuesday the 27th inst, and 
was received under a Salute of thirteen guns, by Govr. Munroe, his 
Staff and other officers, and a large concourse of Citizens — His recep- 
tion gave decided satisfaction to the Mexican population — 

August 31st. 
An express came in from Fort Leavenworth last night, having 
left there on the 15th inst. bringing us Washington City intelligence 
as late as the 3d inst. — Not a word came to me from any quarter — 
At 7 o'clk p. m. this day, a mail for the States will close — 
I am, 

With great respect. 

Your obt. servt. 

James S. Calhoun, 

Indian Agt 
Orlando Brown Esqr 

Gomr. of Ind. Affs. 

Washington City 
D. G. 

5021—15 17 



258 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

[DERRICK TO CALHOUN.'] 

Department of State 
Washington, September^ 19th 1850. 
To His Excellency 

James S. Calhoun 

Governor of the Territory of New Mexico 

Santa Fe. 
Sir: The Department has this day forwarded to you, via, Fort 
Leavenworth, one box containing the following volumes. 

Documents of the 1st Sess. 31st Congress in 36 Volumes, (11 & 12 
Senate documents, will be transmitted with the next distribution.) 
Plates to Bache's Keports, in 1 vol : — 

Life and works of John Adams, Vols 2 & 3, (The distribution of 
this work is committed to the Secretary of the Senate, but in the 
present instance the volumes are, for greater securit}^, entrusted to 
this Department for transmission.) 

Narrative and works of the Exploring Expedition, viz. Vols. 1, 2, 
3, 4, 5,— Atlas to Vol 5— Vols 6, 7,— Atfas to Vol 7— Vols 8, 9, 10,— 
Atlas to Vol. 10^ Vol. 11 — Vol. 1 of Hydrography, completing the 
series of this work so far as published. 
Annals of Congress in 6 Volumes. 

Every precaution has been taken to secure the safe transmission of 
the box and its valuable contents to Santa Fe. With this view, it 
has been addressed to the care of Major E. A. Ogden, of the Quar- 
termaster Department, at Fort Leavenworth and that officer will be 
requested to forward it to your Excellency by the first train that 
leaves his post after the receipt of the box. 

It appears proper, in this connection, to call your attention to the 
fact, that, on the 4th of October 1850, five boxes of books were for- 
warded from this Department to you, for the iTse of the Territory of 
New Mexico, the receipt of which has never been acknowledged. 
They were addressed to the care of James Patton, Esq., then (sup- 
posed to be) Postmaster at Independence, Mo. On the 11th Deer. 
Mr. Patton acknowledged the arrival of the boxes, but said, at the 
same time, that they could not be sent on to Santa Fe before May of 
the next year, since that time, the Department has received no in- 
formation from any source respecting the whereabouts of these boxes, 
and you are now notified of what was done, that enquiries may be 
instituted by you, as will be by this Department to discover, if possi- 
ble, whether the boxes have miscarried, and if so, to what point. 
I am. Sir, very respectfully 

Your obedient servant, 

William S. Derrick, 

Acting Secretary. 



B, I. a., D. L., vol. 38, pp. 157-158. 



COKKESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 259 

[CALHOUN TO BROWN.*] 

No. 80. 

[CALHOUN TO BROWN.'] 



No. 81. 



Sir. 



Indian Agency. 
Santa Fe, New Mexico 

September 30, 1850. 



It is with extreme pain I announce the death of General Cyrus 
Choice, a well known and excellent citizen of Georgia. He died at 
Abiquin on the evening of the 14th of the present month, of erysip- 
ilas. You will remember he has been in the service of this Agency 
for several months past, cheifly as Agent for the Utahs, residing at 
Abiquin, and to his discretion and good management the country is 
greatly indebted for the quiescent state which the Utahs have exhib- 
ited since the formation of the treaty with them, on the 30th of 
December last. 

I would thank you to cause this bereavement to be announced 
through the news-papers of Washington City. 

In consequence of the death recorded above, I left here, for Abi- 
quin, on the 24th and returned on the 27th inst. So far as facts have 
come to my knowledge, the Utahs have behaved well during the 
present month. 

APACHES 

These Indians continue their annoyances. About the 1st of this 
month four of them were surprised and killed on this side of the 
mountain range between this and Taos. A Mr. Maxwell left Santa 
Fe some three or four days ago, having in his possession merchan- 
dize and money, accompanied by two Mexicans, who have returned, 
and say, on the opposite side of the mountain between this and Taos, 
they were attacked by Apaches, made good their escape, but suppose 
Mr. Maxwell was killed, and as a matter of course, his property was 



1 


Not on file ia Indian O.Hce, but see entry hr Norembar 15, 1850, in 0. 1 


. A., L. R 


No. 38. 







15 
I. A., Santa Fd 


Calhoun, Jas. S. San- 


In relation to law suits pend- 


CM. Clk 


Ackd. 5 Dec. '50 




523 


ta F^, New Mexico 
Sept. 21/50 
(No. 80) 


ing for lands belonging to 
Pueblo Indians— Asks in 
behalf of the Indus, inter- 
position of Govt. U. S.— 
Encloses copies of three 


























letters from him to His 














Excy John Monroe, Civil 














& Mil. governor of New 














Mexico, on the subject. 














Renews his requests for 














"means and instructions." 









'O. I. A., Santa F6 Agency, C 524. 



260 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

carried off by the Apaches, Many other depredations have been 
reported. 

The Comanches continue to send us friendly greetings. 
The Navajos, in the early part of the month, committed some 
depredations. To-day, the Governor of the Pueblo of Jemez, came 
in, at the request of the two principal chiefs of the Navajos, to say 
these Indians desired to confer with me in relation to their future 
conduct. After consultation with Col. Munroe, the Governor Jemez 
was authorized to invite the Navajo chiefs to come to Santa Fe; for 
which purpose a safe conduct was granted by Col. Munroe. 

It is understood, that the Pueblo of Zuni and the Navajos are at 
war with each other, and in a recent battle the former gained a vic- 
tory, having killed about thirty of the latter — The Navajos are pre- 
paring for another conflict. 

This war, you will remember, is a violation of our treaties with 
these Indians. 

in 
The Pueblo Indians continue to come with complaints against 
Mexican encroachments. 
I am, 

With great respect 

Your obt. servt 

J. S. Calhoun 

Ind. Agt 
P. S. The mail from the States came in on the evening of the 
28th inst, but brought me no intelligence from Washington City. 

J. S. C. 
Orlando Brown, Esqr. 

Comr. of Ind. Affs. 

Washingto7i City. 

[Related Correspondence.] 

[VAN HORNE TO McLAWS.i] 

Head Qrs Batln 3d Infy. 

Paso del Noete New Mexico. 

Septemher 19th 1850. 

Sir, 

Simon Manuel, Simon Porode, another Chief, and eight other Apache Indians 
df the Muscahiros band, living between the Sacramento Mountains and Presidio 
del Norte, came in to this post and San Elizario a few days since, instructed 
they say by their people, to ascertain whether they would be kindly received 
end that if they were assured that their people would be received in a kind and 
friendly manner that they would return to their tribe and bring them In about 



lA. G. 0., Files, Department of New Mexico, V 20 of 1850. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 261 

ten days or more from this time. They were received with kindness and some 
presents made them, both at this post and at San Elizario, and appeared to go 

would 
away well satisfied saying they expected their people be in, in consid- 

erable numbers about the time specified to make a treaty. They also visited the 
town of El Paso over the river, and were very kindly received there. I pre- 
sume it is the wish of the government to cultivate friendly relations with them, 
and to do this effectually I should be authorized to issue provisions in limited 
quantities and to make small presents to the infiuential men among them. 

A part of the train of supplies have arrived. The remainder will all be here 
within a week probably. The teamsters &c in Coons part of the train (about 120 
in number and well armed,) are represented to me by Mr. Coons and his agent 
Smith as a lawless and desperate set of men over whom they could exercise no 
control, and that they have lost 250 of Coons oxen, and wasted and lost much 

pay 
of his property. He has declared he will not more than a third of them— 

They drove off Smith and tried to shoot the issuing agent. There are some 
apprehensions that they may seize upon the train and supplies. This I think not 
very likely. Coons has promised to have them disarmed before they reach here. 
I have no doubt these men will occasion much disorder and annoyance here. 
Majr. Sprague informs me that the Immense hordes of teamsters &c. about 
320 attached to this train are by the contract subsisted from the Govt Stores 
which they brought up and until their return to San Antonio, and that together 
with the supplies destroyed, lost, and unfit for use, only about one half the sub- 
sistence will remain for the use of the troops here. The clothing and other 
property is also damaged, the tierces &c. being broken open. Majr. Sprague 
calculates that by this mode of transportation the ration will cost the U. S. 
here at least $1.50. The provisions are badly and inconveniently put up and 
many of the packages broken. 

A Mr. French is also arrived here, with a letter from V. E. Howard, M. O. 
to me, with a train of carriages and some 300 passengers for California and 
employees. An express is just in from Washington City. The house of How- 
land and Aspinwall upon whose authority he has been lavishing immense sums 
to carry 120 emigrants from N. Y. to California and subsist them on the way 
for $250 each ! ! ! have dishonored his drafts, and a Sheriff is now here to seize 
him and all his property, carriages &c. They say the letter of credit whlcli 
French exhibits purporting to be from them is a forgery. Lockwood, Divine, 
and others at San Antonio furnished his outfit chiefly, and it is believed the 
Govt officers at San Antonio and elsewhere may suffer loses. ^Most of these 
300 men are also wholly destitute, and with the others there is likely to be some 
500 men wholly destitute of means, and those first mentioned of the most law- 
less character thrown out of employment at this place, where there is at all 
times a horde of loafers and desparadoes. 
Very Respectfully 

Your Obdt Servt 

J. Van Horne 
U. Maj. 3 Inf Comdg 

Lieut Tj. McLaws 

.1. .1. .1. Genl. 

9th Md Dept. 

Santa Fe, N.M. 



202 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN, 

[LGITGHERY TO CALHOUN.'] 

Department of the Interior 

Office Indian Affair^ 

Oct m 1850 
Calhoun Esq James S. 

Santa Fe 

New Mexico 
Sir: 

I have the honor to enclose herewith your commission- as Indian 
Agent at Santa Fe, your former appointment having expired with 
the close of the late session of Congress. 

I also enclose the form of a bond which you will execute in the 
penal sum of $5000 with two or more sureties whose sufficiency must 
be certified by a U States Judge or District Attorney; & return it to 
this office as soon as it is completed. 

Very respectfully Your Obt Servt 

A S LOUGHERY 

Actg Gomr 

[CALHOUN TO BROWN.'] 

No. S2. 

Indian Agency. 
Santa Fe, New Mexico 

October 13, 1860 
Sir, 

I avail myself of an ojjportunity which will offer to-day, or on to- 
morrow, to say to you, that the report concerning the murder of 
Mr Maxwell, of which I advised you on the 30th of last month, was 
not true — He reached Taos in safety, with his effects, notwithstand- 
ing a number of Apaches were in his immediate neighborhood. 

Two Apaches, a man and his wife, are now at this Agency — They 
were brought to the Head Quarters of this Military Department by 
order of the Commanding Officer at Abiquin, and, at the request of 
Col. Munroe, they are in charge of this Agency. 

It appears a party of some fifteen or twenty Apaches, men, women, 
and children, were on their way, from the North East, to Abiquin, as 
they represent, to ask permission to reside near that post, and under 
its protection. Before reaching Abiquin, near the Ojo Caliente, they 
stopped at a Mexican's house, and asked for something to eat, which 
was promptly given to them. After they had eat, the Mexican man- 
aged to induce them to wander about his premises, having previously 

1 O. I. A., L. B., No. 43, p. 442. 

== President Fillmore sent in ttie nomination, September 23, 1850 (Senate Exec. Journal, 
VIII, p. 241). It was referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs, of which Atchison 
was chairman, and, on the 25'^ favorably reported upon. (Ibid., p. 250). 

» 0. I. A., Santa Fe Agency, C 529. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 263 

prepared to have executed his bloody purpose, and while thus sepa- 
rated, four of them, one man and three small boys, were murdered 
upon the spot — One man, a girl, and two boys, are missing. The 
Mexican ordered his men to fire on the survivors, consisting, prin- 
cipally, of women and children, but they refused to obey the Order — 
The man who is at this Agency, was not present, having gone a 
short distance, to report, as cheif of the party, to the Prefect of the 

the 
county, the objects and destination of Apache party under his 
command. The Prefect gave them an escort to Abiquin. A son of 
the Apache, here, was slain. These Indians will be permitted to 
reside, for the present, near Abiquin, and at Col. Munroe's sugges- 
tion, I will cause them to be supplied with provisions, to a limited 
extent. By this course, we may induce others to come in from whom 
we may glean some useful information — The one present claims to 
have been in retirement, and therefore ignorant as to the murders 
and depredations committed by the Apaches. He says there is a 
number of Mexican Captives among them. 

The Mexican who caused the murders to be committed at the Ojo 
Caliente has been in prison here for the three last days, and will be 
set at liberty upon a mere nominal recognizance. The demoralization 
of Society here, is such, it would be impolitic, if not altogether im- 
practicable to administer justice in this case. A considerable sum 
of money has been subscribed to procure a gold medal to be presented 
to this cold-blooded murderer, and this is done, cheifly, by Americans. 

By reference to my No. 76, dated August the 12th of the present 
year, you will perceive I notified you of the assaults made by the 
Navajos upon the Pueblo of Zufii. I again alluded to this subject 
on the 30th of September last, (No. 81). We now learn, the Navajos, 
a few days since, made another attack upon Zuiii, with a force, it is 

have 
api^rehended, that will proved disastrous to the Pueblo, by the 

destruction of their crops, if nothing more serious has occurred. This 
attack was delayed, for a few days, in consequence of the presence 
of the escort at Zuiii, who accompanied the Bishop of Durango to 
that place. After leaving Zuiii, it was discovered that one of our 
dragoons was missing, and the commanding officer ordered a few 
others back to bring him up. While these dragoons were yet in view 
of the Pueblo, the Navajos had commenced the attack. In reference 
to this attack, nothing further is known. Col. Munroe has ordered 
a company of Dragoons stationed at Cibolletta, to proceed to Zufii, 
and has sent fifty old muskets for the use of the Indians of that 
Pueblo. If the Pueblo Indians have been able to save their crops, it 
will be fortunate for our troops, as they relied upon them for a por- 
tion of their supplies, which would have been greatly augmented if 



Z04 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

their warriors could have been engaged in tilling the earth instead of 
guarding the Pueblo, and the laborers who were compelled to work. 
An Agent at Zuni, in my opinion, as I have frequently suggested, 
might have secured them such protection as greatly to have increased 
their crops, and prevented the present war, especially if he had been 
permitted the use of the ordnance and ordnance stores which I have 
heretofore recommended. Until protection is afforded to the Pueblo 
Indians, you may in vain expect your government animals to be kept 
fit for service. Independent of this consideration, there are other 
and higher obligations which require the Government of the United 
States to protect these Indians, and establish and preserve the tran- 
quility of this territory. Unless Congress has acted discreetly upon 
this subject, almost the entire American population, unconnected with 
the army, must leave the country. Immigration has entirely ceased, 
and many who came into the country to reside, not daring to venture 
into the interior of the country so as to ascertain its resources, have 
been compelled to go to California, or return to the States. I venture 
the opinion, that, at least, one half of American immigrants to this 
territory have left it during the last six months. They are daily de- 
parting. The mineral resources of New Mexico, are beleived to be 
equal to those of any country, and yet, the most daring and enterpriz- 
ing dare not venture so far abroad as to ascertain, with any degree 
of certainty, the mineral wealth of the territory. It would be a blind- 
ness to well established historical facts to suppose, the native popu- 
lation of this territory, in its present demoralized and subdued con- 
dition, could develope its resources — and unless American energy and 
enterprize are properly protected here, as elsewhere, it must ever 
remain a heavy charge upon the Treasury of the United States. It 
is unnecessary to repeat my views in relation to a proper disposition 
of affairs in this territory — They are well known to the Department. 
The seven Moqui Pueblos sent to me a deputation who presented 
themselves on the 6th day of this month. Their object, as an- 
nounced, was to ascertain the purposes and views of the Government 
of the United States towards them. They complained, bitterly, of 
the depredations of the Navajos — The deputation consisted of the 
Cacique of all the Pueblos, and a chief of the largest Pueblo, accom- 
panied by two who were not officials. From what I could learn 

the 
from Cacique, I came to the conclusion, that each of the seven 
Pueblos, was an independent Republic, having confederated for 
mutual protection. One of the popular errors of the day, is, there 
are but five of these Pueblos remaining, another is, that one of the 
Pueblos speak a different language from the other Six — I under- 
stood the Cicaque to say, the seven spoke the same language, but 

Tanoquevi, 
the Pueblo in which he resided, Oriva, spoke also, the 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 265 

language of the Pueblo of Santa Domingo — hence the error first 
mentioned. These Pueblos may be, all, visited in one day. They 
are supposed to be located about due West from Santa Fe, and 
from three to four days travel, North West, from Zufii. The fol- 
lowing was given to me as the names of their Pueblos — 

1. Oriva 5. Opquive 

2. Somonpavi 6. Chemovi 

3. Juparavi 7. Tanoquevi. 

4. Mansana 

I understood, further, they regarded as a small Pueblo, eeffipfti-*e4 
t Zuiii, as compared Avith Oriva. The other Pueblos were very 
much like Zuiii and Santa Domingo. They supposed^ Oriva could 
turn out one thousand warriors. I desired, and beleived it to be 
importent to visit these Indians, and would have done so, if Col. 
Munroe had not, in reply to my application for an escort t hat - h e 
replied, that he could not furnish me with one at this time. They 
left me, apparently, highly gratified at the reception and presents 
given to them. 

These Indians ought to be visited at an early day. 

THE UTAHS 

seem to be quiet, and no one has, recently, complained of their con- 
duct. 

THE COMANCHES. 

I have heard nothing concerning these Indians since my letter 
to you of the day of 

THE APACHES, 

are reposing, or preparing for an outbreak of some kind. Without 
an adequate fund, we shall never be able to pry successfully, into 
the purposes of the wild Indians of this territory. 

At my request, the enclosed ^ communication was politely sent to 
me this day. 
I am. 

With great respect, 

Your obt. servt, 

J. S. Calhoun 

Iiid. Agt 
Orlando Brown Esqr 

Comr. of Ind. Afs. 

Washington City 

D. C. 

1 See p. 266. 



266 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

[KERN TO CALHOUN'] 

Santa Fe Oct 12 1830 
Dear Colonel 

Below is the list of the different bands of Apaches — Mr Francisco 
Fletcher, Interpreter at Doilana is my authority. 

Jicarillas. 

Mezcaleros or Muscaleros. 

Sacramentos. 

Aqua Nuevas. 

Nortenians 

Lipans 

Garroteros called also Gilanians 

Tontos called also Gilanians 

Coyoteros called also Gilanians. 

Mogoyoneros called also Gilanians 

Copper Mine Apaches called also Gilanians 

Carrijalanians 

T^' ^, iln Chihuahua & Sonora. 

Fronteranos 

Pifialanios 

Very truly 

EiGHARD H. E[ern. 

To Col. J. C. Calhoun Ind Agt. 

.S. 

[CALHOUN TO LEA.''] 

No. 83. 

Indian Agency 
Santa Fe, New Mexico 

October 31st. 1850 
Sir, 

I have this day drawn upon the Hon. Secretary of the Interior, for 
f.ve hundred dollars ($500) payable one day after Sight to Mrs Mary 
Reynolds, (of Philadelphia) which amount when paid, you will 
please charge to this Agency. 

In reference to future fiscal arrangements for this Agency I have 
the honor to refer you to my second letter of this date, No. 84. 
I have the honor to be, 
Your obt. Servt. 

James S. Calhoun 

Indian Agent 
Hon. 

Commissioner of Ind. Atts. 

Washington City. 
B.C. 

1 Enclosure of No. 82. 

^ O. I. A., Santa F6 Agency, C 536. 



CORRESPONDENCE OP JAMES S. CALHOUN. 267 

[CALHOUN TO LEA?'] 

No. 84. 

Indian Agency. 
Santa Fe, Mew Mexico. 

Oct^. SI. 1850. 
Sir, 

of 
Since the date of my letter Oetp 12tli of the present month, No. 
82. every element of discord, in this territory, has been, and continues 

one 
in repose. There have been a few small depredations, but not 
worthy of special record. Not a murder has come to my knowledge. 
The Pueblo Indians manifest their accustomed anxiety to know 
what the Government of the United States intend to do with, or for 
them. 

In reference to the Apaches, Comanches, Navajos, and Utahs, I 
have nothing to add to my former communications, 

THE MOQUI PUEBLOS. 

My No. 82, advised you, that the Cacique of the Moqui Pueblos, 
and others, had visited this Agency, in order to ascertain the pur- 
poses of the Government of the United States towards them. At 
that time, I supposed it to be my duty to visit these people, but Col. 
Munroe, then, could not spare an escort. I had hoped after the 
adjustment, by Congress, of certain vexed questions, and an arrival of 
additional troops, the escort thee would be granted — But it is not so, 
for Col. Munroe thinks it would be indiscreet to travel in that direc- 
tion at this season of the year. The Colonel may be entirely correct, 
but my information leads me to an antagonistical conclusion. 

I had thought, and yet think, the Department ought to have before 
it, at the earliest possible day, authentic information in reference 
to the country West of Santa Fe — Judging from the oifidal docu- 
ments, printed by order of Congress, such as I have seen., they have 
no reliable information, for the authors could have been correct by 
accident only — and we do know, they have been sadly duped. 

Fiscal arrangement for this Agency. 

My number 83. of this day's date, advises you, that I had drawn 
upon the Department, at one day after sight, in favor of Mary 
Reynolds, (of Philadelphia) iov pve hundred dollars., ($500). I beg 
the Department to honor this draft. 

1 O. I. A., Santa F6 .\gency, C 537. Luke Lea's term as Commissioner of Indian Affairs 
began July 1850. See Receipts for Salaries, Employees of Indian OflBce, 1846 to 1852. 



268 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

Allow me to suggest to the Department, that the Commissary, 
Quarter Master, and Pay-Master, of this Department, have the 
entire control of the money market of this Department, and I deem 
it 

of decided importance, that some arrangement should be effected 
between the Departments at Washington, by which one of the fore- 
going officers should be required to furnish to the Agency, the money 
appropriated for disbursement at this office. 

With the fact staring me in the face, that I have drawn on the 

an 
Department, without previous authority, I rely upon the approval 
of my course, because, I think my various communications must 
have satisfied the Department, to have failed in assuming the respon- 
sibilities, of which it is advised, I could not have, properly, dis- 
charged the duties assigned to me, as Indian Agent. 
I am, 

With great respect. 

Your obt. servt. 

J. S. Calhoun. 

Ind. Agt 
Hon. 

Commissioner or Ind. Afts. 

Washington City 

D. C. 

[CALHOUN TO LEA?*] 
No. 85. 

Indian Agency. 
Santa Fe, Neav Mexico. 

Now. 4- 1850 
Sir, 

I seize the occasion, which offers to-day, to say, that since my 
No. 84, dated Octr. 31st several depredations have been committed 
by the Navajo on the west side of the Rio del Norte — Near Cibol- 
letta, they have driven off several thousand Sheep— I have heard of 
no murders committed by them. 

These Indians have become so bold, they dare to visit, frequently, 
many of the Pueblos, for the purposes of trade, so the Pueblos say — 
That they are engaged in an extensive traffic, there is no doubt. 
During the past week, a band of these people were at Santa Domingo, 
on this side of the Rio del Norte, thirty one miles from Santa Fe — 

10. I. A., Santa F6 Agency, C 538. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 



269 



they are frequently at Jemez. The trade alluded to above, is not con- 
fined to Indians. 

I have not heard from Zuni for several weeks — 
Very respectfully 

J. S. Calhoun 

Ind. Agt, 
Hon. 

CoMR. OF Ind. Affs 

[CALHOUN TO LEA.'] 

No. 86. 

[LEA TO CALHOUN."] 



Department of the Interior, 

Office Indian Affairs, 

Nov 18th 1850 
Sir, 

Congress having appropriated, Fifteen Hundred dollars for the 
redemption of the daughter of Mr & Mrs J. M Wliite, now supposed 
to be in captivity with the Apache Indians, this office is charged 
with the duty of directing the disbursement of the fund, and it is 
deeply anxious that the money shall be expended so as to give full 
effect to the benevolent intention of Congress in making the appro- 
priation. 

If, as is supposed, the little girl is a captive among the tribe 
"Apache " proper, or that mixed band termed " Jaccillaras ", which 
for years past, have infested the vicinity of San Fernandez de Taos, 
the country between it and Bent's Fort, and that part of the Santa 
Fe road which crosses the Rio Colerado, it is feared that her release 
will be attended with more difficulty and danger than if she were 
in captivity among any other of the New Mexican Indians. 

Hence in view of the object to be gained, being one which pre- 
sents itself with such strong claims to our best efforts, it is very much 
to be desired that the greatest care and caution should be used, as one 
false step or mistake might preclude the possibility of ultimate suc- 
cess. There is, doubtless a certain line of policy to be pursued, in 
dealing with these Indians, which experience has proved to be most 
successful This, it is supposed, can be best learned from those who 

> Not on file in Indian Office, but see entry for January 8, 1851, in 0. 1. A., L. R. No. 38. 



\ 



O. I. A. Santa F^ 
539 




Respecting extensive traffic { Chf.Clk. Ackd. 22<J. Jany '51 
going on between Ameri- 1 
cans & Mexicans, on the : 
one part, & various bands 
of Apaches i 



• O. I. A., L. B. No. 44, pp. 28-29. 



270 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

have long resided in the mountains, and who have, from long ex- 
perience in trading with the Indians, become thoroughly acquainted 
Avith their character and habits, and are informed as to the particular 
motives and influences most likely to affect and control them. 

It is to be feared that Military force, if employed against them, 
would result in the exasperation of the savages, and the immediate 
destruction of the child and should, therefore, be resorted to only in 
the event of the failure of all milder measures Yet it is necessary 
that the Indians should be informed of the intention of the Govern- 
ment, to secure the release of this child, should recourse to that 
branch of the public service be found necessary to accomplish it, 
even to the extinction of the band 

From information received at this office, it is ascertained that a 
portion of the Apaches, numbering about fifty lodges, have been 
associated with the Kiowas and Comanches, for some time past, and 
have aided them in all their wars upon both Mexicans and Ameri- 
cans. Having expressed a friendly disposition, during the present 
year, it is suggested that their influence might be obtained in this 
matter, if they can be reached. 

It seems probable, that a general knowledge of the fact, among the 
Indians, traders &c. that a large reward was offered for the recovery 
of the child, would stimulate to more extensive individual and asso- 
ciated efforts, than any other practicable measure. 

You are therefore authorized and directed to make known by such 
proper means, as may afford the speediest and widest dissemination 
of the intelligence, that the Government will pay a reward of $1000. 
to any person or persons, who will safely deliver the child into the 
custody of any agent of the Government. For the amount of such 
reward you are authorized to draw, whenever it is jnstly claimed. 
You are also authorized to draw for the remainder ($500) of the 
appropriation; and you are instructed to expend it in such way as 
may seem to you best calculated to accomplish the object in view 

It is deemed prudent, not to trammel your action by more specific 
directions. Great confidence is reposed in your discretion, and I have 
only to add that you are expected to put forth your best energies in 
giving the utmost efficiency to the means in your power for the 
preservation, recovery and restoration of the captive child. 
Very respectfully, 

Your obt Servt. 

Commissioner 

To 

James S Calhoun 

Indian Agent 

Santa Fe^ 

New Mexico, 



COBRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 271 

[Belated Correspondence.] 

[dunn to secretary of war.^] 

Richmond Virginia Dec 29th 1849 
Sir 

I have just been advised through my friends, Hon F McMullin & F. S Hay- 
mond, that the Department at Washington had determined that I should, at my 
request, be sent at on ee as dearer of dispatches, to the Indian Agent at Santa 
Fee; and that dispatches would speedily be forwarded to me at this place. 

Much as I desire to do all that I possibly can to procure the release of my 
unfortunate sister and her little daughter; I have after due deliberation and 
having counciled my friends fully upon the subject, come to the conclusion that 
nothing can be effected by my proceeding, now to Santa Fee. More than two 
months have elapsed since my sister was captured. It is reasonable to suppose 
that all has been done to procure her release, that man could expect to accom- 
plish, and if she has not been ransomed, before this late day, the strong proba- 
bility is, that she is no longer living If ransomed, she could not return to the 
States earlier than April or May next, and is now in the hands of her friends, 
who would see that her every want was provided for I therefore respectfully 
decline the mission so readily bestowed upon me, and for fear that dispatches 
important to the service, might be delayed, on my account, I have, in advance 
of any official announcement, determined to communicate at once with your 
self & state fully my object & views in thus declining. 
With great respect I have the honor to be 
Your obt servant 



Isaac B Dunn 



To Secretary War 
Washington City D C 



[McLAWS TO GRIER.2] 



Hd. Qes: 9 Mil: Dep : 
Santa Fe N. Mex. July 25, / .50 
Majoh 

1 have the honor hereby to acknowledge the receipt of your communications of 
July 1st reporting that arrival and Departure from your Post of Co K 2d 
dragoons under Lieut Adams 1st dragoons Enclosing a monthly return of your 
command and copies of orders issued during the same month of June, also a 
note which you state was received from a Mr. Geo. Gold signing himself Sub- 
Indian Agent relative to Augustine Lacombe. 

Mr. Augustus Lacombe was authorised by Mr. Gold acting under instructions 
from Col. Calhoun, the Indian Agent to trade with the Utahs for the mere pur- 
pose of gaining information relative to the family of Mr. White and, if any 
be still alive, to effect a ransom at any expense. At the time my communication 
was written giving the names of all persons, to which Licenses to trade had been 
granted it was not known what action Mr. Gold had, taken on the Instructions 

1 O. I. A., Santa F€ Agency, D 287. 
» A. G. O., Old Book, No. 3, p. 132. 



272 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

of Col. Calhoun which will account for the omission of the name of Augustus 
Lacombe on the list 
Respectfully 

Your obt. Servt. 

L McLaws 
1st Lt 7th Infy 

AAA Qenl 
MaJ. W. N. Gbieb 

Commdg 

Rayado. 

[STUART TO LOUGHERY.^] 

Depabtment of the Interior 

September 17, 1850 
Sib— 

You are requested to inform me what amount of funds is at your disposal, 
which can be applied to the recapture or redemption from captivity of the 
child of Mr. and Mrs. White, late of Virginia, who were murdered on the 
Western Plains last summer by the Indians; and. if you are provided with 
such funds, what steps you can take to rescue the child before the next winter 
«ets in? An immediate answer is desired. 
Respectfully Your obt. servt, 

Alex H. H. Stuart 

Secretary 
A. S. LouGHERY Esq. 

Acting Comr of Indian Affairs. 

[DUNN TO STUART.2] 

Abingdon Va Oct 9th 1850 
Mr. A. H. H. Stuart 
Dear Sib 

Your letter to my Bro J. B. Dunn, In regard to our niece (Mrs. Whites Child) 
was received to day, and in his absence from home I take the liberty of address- 
ing a few lines in reply. W^e cannot undertake to suggest any plan in particu- 
lar for the restoration of the child, but think the one most likely to succeed 
would be by treaty. Capt. Aubrey who returned a few weeks since from Santa 
Fe, informs us. that the child is certainly alive, that the traders who go among 
the Indians see it frequently, that he has authorized the traders to pay any 
amt for its Ransom, that they have offered thousands of Dollars, and say that 
it cannot be ransomed at any price. He suggests that the Government should 
negotinte for it in some manner, and we think it is the only means left whereby 
its release can be obtained. Much depends upon the exertions of Col Munroe 
and we fear from accounts that he has been very remiss in his duty, or he 
could have succeeded long ago. 

We would wish that the authorities at Santa Fe be required to use every 
exertion in every way possible, without sparing expense or trouble, even If it 
should extend to the extermination of the last Indian on the plains of New 
Mexico. We would much prefer that the child should be killed, than to be 
reared by such barbarous savages. 

My Dear Sir we congratulated ourselves on your appointment to the high 
position which you now occupy — as secretary of the Interior, for we know in 

1 0. I. A., Santa F6 Agency, I 471. 
• O. I. A., Santa F& Agency, I 492. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 273 

your breast, beat tlie heart of a true virginiau, tliat were almost from amongst 
us, tbat you could sympathize with us in our deep affliction, that your own 
state pride alone, would prompt you, to extend your strong official arm, to the 
restoration of a -fair Daughter of Va. Feeling that you will use your best 
exertions in this matter, we rely upon you altogether, hoping that your efforts 
may succeed. 
With the best wishes for your health and prosperity I remain 
Most 

Respectfully 

Yours 

Jas. H. Dunn 

[CONRAD TO STUART.i] 

War Department, 
Washington November 2, 1850 
Sib, 

I have the honor to enclose herewith papers ' received from the Hon F. Mc- 
Mullen with a letter asking the aid of this Department for the recovery of the 
daughter of Mr. & Mrs. White who was carried into captivity by the Indians in 
New Mexico, after the murder of her parents. It is understood that measures 
are about being taken for the recovery of the child, by your Department — Con- 
gress having placed funds at your disposal for the purpose, and whatever in- 
structions yon may deem necessary to be given to officers of the army to aid In 
the accomplishment of the object will be promptly issued by this Department 
upon being advised of your views in the matter. 
Very respectfully 

Your Obedt. Servr. 

C. M. Conrad, 

Secretary of War 
Hon. A. H. H. Stewart, 

Secretary of the Interior. 

[McLAWS TO ALEXANDER.^] 

Hd Qrs : 9 Mil : Dept. 
Santa Fe New Mexico 

Mar. 20, 1851. 
Colonel, 

By direction of Col : Munroe I have the honor to inform you that a License 
to trade with any tribe or tribes of Indians between this place and the White 
Mountains for the purpose of obtaining information relative to the child of 
Mrs. J. M. White is granted to Benjamin J. Latz 
Respectfully 

Your obt Servt 

L McLaws 

1st Lieut 7 Infy 
Col : E. B. Alexander AAA Genl 

Commanding 

Las Vegas. 



iQ. I. A., Santa F.^ Agency, I 521. 

3 The papers included the following : Isaac B. Dunn to Payette McMullin, September 10, 
1850 ; Isaac B. Dunn to Daniel Webster, September 10, 1850 ; Alex. H. H. Stuart to A. S. 
Loughery, September 17, 1850; A. S. Loughery to D. C. Goddard, September 17, 1850; 
Fayette McMullin to C. M. Conrad, September 30, 1850. 

»A. G. O., Old Book, No. 4, p. 61. 

5021—15 IS 



274 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 



[CALHOUN TO LEA.'] 

No. 87. 



» Not on file in Indian Office, but see entry for January 18, 1851, in O. I. A., L. R. No. 38. 



«« 18th 

O. I. A. Santa F6 

.W6 



Calhoun, Jas. S. 

Indn Agent. 
Santa Fe,N. M. 
Nov. 30 

No. 87 



Nos. 88 & 89 reed, on 
10th Mch. 1851. 



Reports the murder of a pri- 
vate of company D 3d. 
Infy. & the arrest of ttiree 
citizens as concerned in it, 
on oth Nov: — also the mur- 
der of a Mexican by an 
American on the 10th of 
Nov: & the arrest & con- 
finement of the latter, Ac- 
Reports continuance of 
war between the Navajoes 
& the Pueblo of Zuni, the 
former having besieged the 
Pueblo and maintained 
their position for sixteen 
days— Supposes that the 
arrival of the escort with a 
few muskets sent to Zuni 
by Col. Monroe, was the 
cause of the raising of the 
siege, &c.— Reports his re- 
turn from Algodones 
where he had gone to allay 
some disturbances grow- 
ing out of suits for land at 
that place &c.— States 
that there is some rumors 
that the Pueblos have 
made or are making trea- 
ties with the Apaches & 
other Indus; remarks 
that such coalitions should 
not be permitted. Gives 
copy of his letter to Gov: 
Monroe in regard to the 
assembling of large force of 
Mexicans below Socorro & 
between it and the Jonada, 
said to be bv his informant 
Mr J Baird iOOO men— can- 
not report the result, &c 
Reports \isit of Govr. of 
Imez & five Navajoes who 
remained with him a few 
days in Santa F^— gives a 
copy of a paper furnished 
to the Chiefs of the party 
when leaving Santa F^, in 
which he gives him au- 
thoritv to, after visiting 
the Chiefs of his tribe & 
finding them disposed to 
accede to the terms of the 
treaty, conduct them un- 
der a white flag to the 
Pueblo of Jmez & report 
to the Governor of that 
Pueblo, wh(i is authorized 
f o take charge of the party 
& in like manner conduct 
them to Santa F(§— Is ad- 
vi-ed by the newspapers 
of the adjournment of Con- 
gress & the approval of the 
trpaties with the Nava- 
jops & ITtahs,- but learns 
nothing of what has been 
done for the Pueblo popu- 
lation, or of the appropria- 
tion to fulfil treaties— Is 
embarrassed for want of 
means, & hopes they will 
be sent to him at an" early 
day — &c, &c. 



Duplicate copies 
enclosed same 
day (18th) to Sec. 
Intr. with recom- 
mendation that 
they be laid be- 
fore appropriate 
committees of 
Congress.— Ackd. 
22. Jany '51. 



COERESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 



275 



[CALHOUN TO LEA.'] 

No. 88. 

[LEA TO CALHOUN.'] 

Department of the Interior, 

Office Indian Affairs, 

Bee. 6, 1850 
CaiaHoun Esq James S. 

Santa Fe 

Neiv Mexico 
Sir: 

Your letter, No 82, of the 12tli of October last, making your letters 
by numbers complete to that period, has been received. 

I have perused them with much gratification as possessing highly 
valuable information, and regret exceedingly, that the necessary 
means are wanting to enable this office to second, more effectually, 
your efforts to preserve the peace and quiet of New Mexico. 

It is greatly desired that Congress at its present session, will enact 
such laws and make such appropriations as are indispensable to the 
proper management of Indian Affairs in that section of country. 

The present condition of our Indian relations in New Mexico and 
appropriate suggestions and recommendations in reference to them, 
are set forth in the Annual Rej)ort of this office for the present year. 
Copies of which will be sent to you, when published. 
Very respectfully, Your Obt. Servt 

L Lea 

Comr. 

[CALHOUN TO LEA.'] 



No. 89. 

Indian Agency, 
Santa Fe, New Mex., 

Deer. 10, 1850 
Sir, 

I respectfully invite your especial attention to the accompanying 
papers. 

No. 1. you will perceive is a running subsistence account against 
this Agency, amounting to Nine hundred and fifty one dollars, and 
Sixty eight cents, for which amount, at the request of Lt. Frs. J. 

» Not on file in Indian Office but see entry for March 4, 1851, in O. I. A., L. R. No. 38. 



" ! Calhoun, James S., 

! agt. 

Santu Fi; Santa F^, New Mex- 

578 I ico Dec. 5 '50 

' (No. 88) 



Transmits his Accts for 3d 
qr. '50, and urges remit- 
tance of funds for relief of 
his agency, immediately, 
&c, &c, &c. 



Ansd. 27 Mch. 1851 
Refd to 2d Audr 

15 Aug '51 
See book of Decis- 
ions &c p. 140 



» O. I. A., L. B., No. 44, p. 57. 

« O. I. A., Santa F6 Agency, C 579. 



276 COKRp:SrONDEXCE of JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

Thomas, A. C. S, I gave to him a draft on the Department, dated the 
18th of November last, the day that Lt. Thomas left this place for 
the States. He had not time to have prepared, for me, a duplicate, 
hence I send to yoii the original as presented to me. retaining a 
correct copy. 

No. 2 is an examination of the Account No. 1, and the two mnnbers 
exhibit the following facts in reference to the total sum. $951.08. It 
is made up of the produce of New Mexico, which No. 1 shows by 
deducting the two following items extracted from said number, (see 

No. 2.) amount $155.57 

Articles transported from Ft. Leavenworth, as priced at that 

place 267. G2 

Carried over $423.19 

Amount brot. over $423.19 

Transportation on the $267.62 1 528.-19 $951.68 



Total value of the subsistence without transpor- 
tation $423. 19 

Add transportation 528.49 $951.68 

I have now four remarks to make — 

1st. The good of the public service demanded this expenditure. 

2. A portion of the amount is legitimately chargeable to my per- 
sonal account, which shall be done. 

3. The transportation charges show how utterly inadequate are 
the Salaries i3ri)vided for the public officers of this territory. 

4. The transportation charge of Five hundred aiid ttcenty eight 
dollars^ and forty nine cents ^ (528.49) is due to the proper Depart- 
ment by Lt. Frs. J. Thomas, late A. C. S, he having added that 
amount to the Ft. Leavenworth prices of subsistence issued to this 
Agency. The Quarter Master's Department paid the transportation, 
and as charged to this Agency Lt Thomas will have the amount to 
his credit in settling his Commissary's account. 

The matter is perfectly well understood by Lt. Thomas, who will 
arrange the matter with the proper office, if it should not escape his 
recollection. That it may not be overlooked, I have deemed it ad- 
visable to make the foregoing statements for the benefit of whom it 
may concern. 
I am. 

AVith gre;it respect. 

Your Obt. Servt. 

J. S. Calhoun 
CoiNEMissioNKK OF Indian Affairs. Indian Agent. 

Washington City^ 

D. G. 



CORBESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 



277 



J. S Calhoun Indian Agent 



[Accompanying Papers] 
Sheet No. 1. 

To Liout. Fras. J. Thomas A. C. S. ])r 



Apl 



May 



4 


40 


pounds Lard 


12 


1()(( 


do 


Flour 


15 


47 


do 


Lard 




200 


do 


Bacon 




12 


do 


Coffee 




25 


do 


Sugar 




100 


do 


Hams 


18 


14 


do 


Beef 




lOi 


do 


do 




7 


do 


do 




11 


do 


do 






do 


do 


24 


100 


do 


Flour 


1 


7 


do 


Beef 


3 


f) 


do 


do 


5 


14 


do 


do 


8 


01 


do 


SuKar 




100 
11 


do 
do 


Jlour 
Ilam 


S 


31 


do 


Beef 




43 


do 


Lard 


13 


12 


do 


Ham 




4 


do 


Beef 




8 


do 


11am 




4 


do 


Beef 


15 


12 


do 


Ham 




8 


do 


Beef 




12 


do 






100 


do 


Flour 




74 


do 


do 




9 


do 


Beef 



May 21 



12 


lbs Hams 


25 


" Rice 


7 


" S. Beef 


7 


" Beef 


9 


" Beef 


61 


" Soap 
" S. ifeef 


10 


24 


" Beef 


42 


" Lard 


15 


" Ham 


40 


" Candles 


90 


" Cra. Sugar 


91 


" Coffee 


12 


" Ham 


5 


" Beef 


23 


" Hams 


100 


" Flour 


26 


" Mutton 


10 


" Beef 


20 


" Hams 


65 


" Flour 


19 


" Hams 


50 


" Rice 


25 


" Coflee 


40 


" Sugar 


100 


" Flour 


25 


" Mutton 


43 


" Bacon 


15 


" Mutton 


10 




23 1 bs Lard 


15 


" Beef 


100 


" Flour 


15 


" Beef 


19 


" Bacon 


25 


" Mutton 


28 


" Bacon 


30 


" Mutton 


75 


" Flour 


30 


" Bacon 


77 


" Flour 


82 


" Crd Sugar 


67 


" Beef 


29 


" Mutton 





Prices at 


Leavenworth 


7J 


3 68 


2 

7 


2 50 


3 52.5 


5 


10 " 


8 


96. 


7 


1 75 


7 


7 00 



6 37 

2 50 
63 

3 22.5 
84 



2 50 
1 85 



price in Ft. 
Leavenworth 



I'rices at 

Santa Fe 

17i 8 57.5 

I2i 12 .JO. 

17i 7 22. 5 

15 30 00. 
18 2 16. 
17 4 25. 
17 17 00 

84 
63 
42 
66 
42 

12J 12 50 

42 
36 
84 

17 15 47 

12 50 

17 1 53 

1 86 
7 52.5 

17 2 04 

24 

17 1 36 

24 

17 2 04 

48 
72 

12i 12 50 

12i 9 25 

54 

mt over 167 095 

price in 

Santa Fe 

Amt brot forward 167 095 

17 2 04 

16 4 00 
8 56 
6 42 
6 54 

16 9 76 



3 15 
1 05 
10.00 
7 20 
7 28 

X4 

00 

1 61 

2 50 

00 

1 40 

1 62.5 

1 33 

3 00 

2 00 

3 20 
2 50 
00 
2 15 



1 44 

7 35 

2 55 
14 00 
16 20 
16 38 

2 04 
30 

3 91 
12 50 

1 56 

60 

3 40 

8 12.5 

3 32 
8 00 

4 50 
7 20 

12 50 
1 50 
6 45 



mt brot up 


320 54 


1 73 


17J 


4 03 




6 


90 


2 50 


12i 


12 50 




6 


90 


95 


15 


2 85 




6 


1 50 


1 40 


15 


4 20 




6 


1 80 


1 87.5 


12.50 


9 38 


1 SO 


15 


4 50 


1 92.5 


12J 


9 62.5 


6 56 


18 


14 76 




6 


4 02 




6 


1 74 



278 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN, 



Sheet No. 1 — Continued. 



July 1 


27 


' Bacon 




5 


' Lard 




200 


' Flour 




22 


' Mutton 




24 


" Beef 




42J Gals Whiskey 





22 


' Beef 




31 


' Bacon 


11 


136 


' Do 




200 


' Flour 




89 


' Crd Sugar 




101 


' Coffee 




46 


:iSf 




20 




20 






19 


i 11 




42 


' 1 " 




160 


' Bacon 




200 


' Flour 




82 


' Beef 




8 


' ^ '< 




100 




81 


15 


' " 




25 


' Mutton 


Aug 3 


23 


' Mutton 




60 


; Beef 




13 






100 


' Flour 




184 


' Do 




80 


' Sugar 




13 


' Beef 




35 


' Bacon 




47 


' Fruit 




24 


' Mutton 




22 


' Beef 




40 


' Candles 


Sep 4 


23 


' Bacon 




100 


' Flour 



flop 



66 " Bacon 

10 " Beef 

5 Gal Molasses 

20 " Whiskey 

94 lbs Sugar 



Flour 

Rice 

Bacon 

Ham 

Lard 

Flour 

Soap 

Hams 

Beef 

Bacon 

Beef 

Beef 



Witness 

M RtTDULPH 



5 


1 35 


16 


4 05 


n 


37.5 


la 


87.5 


2J 


5 00 


25 00 






6 


1 32 






6 


1 44 
85 00 




Amt carrd over 




510 93 






price at 






Santa Fe 




Amt brot over 


510 93 






6 


1 32 


5 


1 55 


15 


4 65 


5 


6 80 


15 


20 40 


2J 


5 00 


12i 


25 00 


8 


7 12 


18 


16 02 


8 


8 08 


18 


18 18 


6 


2 76 


16 


7 36 






6 


1 20 






6 


1 20 






6 


1 14 






6 


2 52 


5 


8 00 


15 


24 00 


^ 


5 00 


121 


25 00 






6 


4 92 






6 


48 






6 


6 00 






6 


90 






6 


1 50 






6 


1 38 






6 


3 60 






6 


78 


2i 


2 50 


12.* 


12 50 


2J 




12.6 


23 00 


8 


6 40 




14 40 





00 


6 


78 


5 


1 75 


15 


5 25 


12§ 


5 88 


22i 


10 58 






6 


1 44 






6 


60 


25 


10 00 


35 


14 00 


5 


1 15 


15 


3 45 


2§ 


2 50 


12J 


12 50 


AmtcarrdtoSheetNo. 2 




776 98 


Sheet No. 2. 








price at 




price at 
Santa Fe 


Leavenworth 






Amt brot from Sheet No 1 


776 98 


5 


3 30 


15 


9 90 






6 


60 


44 


2 20 


1.44 


7 20 


52 


10 40 


1 52 


30 40 


8 


7 52 




16 92 


2i 


2 50 


12i 


12 50 


6 


7 38 




19 68 


5 


2 00 




6 (» 


7 


56 




1 36 


7i 


3 90 


m 


9 10 


2f 


2 50 


12I 


12 50 


6 


3 96 




10 56 


7 


5 18 




12 58 








54 


5 


1 40 




4 30 








60 








1 50 








60 








60 








60 








96 


2i 


2 50 


12i 


12 50 








66 








72 








60 








54 








78 
951 68 


f Interior dated Nov 18th 1850 










Frai. J. Thomas 








itt Lieut 3^d Artlller 








ACS 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 



279 



An examination of the accompanying account. 



Date 






Prices at Ft. 




Prices at 


1850 






Leavenworth 




Santa Fe 


Apl. 4 


49 pounds Lard 


71 


3 68 


m 


8 57.5 


12 


100 


" Flour 


2 


2 50 


m 


12 50 


15 


47 


" Lard 


"h 


3 52.5 


ivf 


7 22.5 




200 


" Bacou 


5 


10 00 


15 


30 00 




12 


" Coflee 


8 


96 


18 


2 16 




25 


" Sugar 


7 


1 75 


17 


4 25 




100 


" Ham 


7 


7 00 


17 


17 00 


24 


100 


" Flour 


2J 


2 50 


12J 


12 50 


May 8 


91 


" Sugar 


7 


6 37 


17 


15 47 




100 


" Flour 


2J 


2 50 


12i 


12 50 




9 


" Ham 


7 


63 


17 


1 53 


9 


43 


" Lard 


n 


3 22.5 


17i 


7 52.5 


13 


12 


" Ham 


7 


84- 


17 


2 04 




8 


do 


7 


56 


17 


1 36 


15 


12 


do 


7 


84 


17 


2 04 




100 


" Flour 


2J 


2 50 


12i 


12 50 




74 




2i 


1 85 


12i 


9 25 


21 


12 


" Ham 




84 


17 


2 04 




25 


" Rice 


6 


1 50 


16 


4 00 


F 


61 


" Soap 


6 


3 66 


16 


9 76 


30 


42 


" Lard 


7^ 


3 15 


17i 


7 35 




15 


" Ham 


7 


1 05 


17: 


2 55 


June 1 


40 


" Candles 


25 


10 00 


35 


14 00 




90 


" Sugar 


8 


7 20 


18 


16 20 




91 


" Coflee 


8 


7 28 


18 


16 38 




12 


" Ham 


7 


84 


17 


2 04 




23 


do 


7 


1 61 


17 


3 91 


fi 


100 


" Flour 


2i 


2 50 


12i 


12 50 




20 


" Ham 


7 


1 40 


17 


3 40 


12 


65 


' Flour 


2J 


1 62.5 


12J 


8 12.5 




19 


' Ham 


7 


1 33 


+ 17 


3 32 




50 


' Rice 

Carried over 


6 


3 00 


16 


8 00 






98 21.5 




272 00 






Continued 










Date 






Prices at Ft. 




Prices at 


1850 . 


Amounts brot. over 


1 Leavenworth 




Santa Fe 


June 12 








98 21. o 




272 00 


12 


25 pounds oJ Coffee 


I 


2 00 


18 


4 50 




40 


' Sugar 


8 


3 20 


18 


7 20 




100 


' Flour 


2i 


2 50 


12i 


12 50 




43 


' Bacon 


5 


2 15 


15 


6 45 


18 


23 


' Lard 


7i 


1 73 


l?l 


4 03 




100 


' Flour 


2i 


2 50 


12 50 


22 


19 


' Bacon 


5 


95 


15 


2 85 


24 


28 






1 40 


15 


4 20 


26 


75 


' Flour 


2^ 


1 87.5 


12i 


9 38 




30 


' Bacon 


5 


1 SO 


15 


4 50 


27 


77 


' Flour 


2i 


1 92.5 


12i 


9 62.5 




82 


' Sugar 


8 


6 56 


18 


14 76 


July 1 


27 


' Bacon 


5 


1 35 


15 


4 05 




5 


' Lard 


"i 


37.5 


17i 


87.5 




200 


' Flour 


^ 


5 00 


I2I 


25 00 


9 


31 


' Bacon 


5 


1 55 


15 


4 65 


11 


136 


' " 


5 


6 80 


15 


20 40 




200 


Flour 


2i 


5 00 


12i 


25 00 




89 


' Sugar 


8 


7 12 


18 


16 02 




100 


' Coffee 




8 08 


18 


18 18 




46 


' Soap 


6 


2 76 


16 


7 36 




160 


' Bacon 


5 


8 00 


15 


24 00 




200 


' Flour 


2J 


6 00 


12j 


25 00 


Aug. 3 


100 


', •^'f"'' 


2i 


2 50 


12J 


12 50 




184 




2j 




12 


23 00 




80 


' Sugar 


S 


6 40 


18 


14 40 




35 


' Bacon 


5 


1 75 


15 


5 25 




47 


' Fruit 


12J 


5 88 


22i 


10 58 




40 


' Candles 


25 


10 00 


35 


14 00 


Sept. 14 


23 ' 


' Bacon 


5 


1 15 


15 


3 45 




100 ' 


' Flour 

Carried forward 


2i 


2 50 


12J 


1:? 50 






212 32 


630 71 



280 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

An examination of the accompanying accovnt — Continued. 



Sept. 24 





Continued 


Prices at Ft. 




'rices at 






Leavenworth 


Santa Fe 




Amounts brot. forward 212 32 




630 71 


66 pounds Bacon 


r> 3 30 


15 


9 90 


5 Gallons Molasses 


44 2 20 


L44 


7 20 


20 


Whiskey 


52 10 40 


1.44 


30 40 


94 


oound.s Sugar 


8 7 52 


18 


16 92 


300 


" Flour 


2J 2 50 


12i 


12 50 


123 


Rice 


6 7 38 


16 


19 68 


40 


" Bacon 


5 2 00 


15 


6 00 


8 


" Ham 


7 56 


17 


1 36 


52 


" Lard 


7J 3 90 


17i 


9 10 


100 


" Flour 


2j 2 50 


12i 


12 50 


66 


" Soap 


6 3 96 


16 


10 56 


74 


" Ham 


7 5 18 


17 


12 58 


28 


" Bacon 


6 1 40 




4 20 


100 


" Flour 


2i 2 50 


m 


12 50 



[CALHOUN TO LEA.'] 

No. 90. 

Indian Agency. 

Santa Fe, New Mexico. 

Deer. 28,1850. 
Sir, 

Diirino- the present month, a large number of sheep have been 
driven off by Indians. About the 5th inst. it is estimated that near 
ten thousand were driven from the neighborhood of the Military 
post, Cibolletta — A military force was ordered in pursuit, but a 
snow storm immediately ensuing, the ti^ail was soon lost, and the 
pursuit abandoned — It is said, that five of the soldiers were bitten 
by the frost, on that occasion — The depredations alluded to are 
charged against the Navajos. 

If any information has been received from the INfexican reprisal 
expedition, from this territory, against the Navajos, notice of which 
was given to you in my number 87 dated Novr. 30 last, it has not 
come to my knowledge, and I have been diligent in my enquiries. 

EI^^This Agency should have the means to command all needful 
information., unconnected, and independent of any other branch of 
the public service. 

The taking of the Census has troubled the Indians of several of 
the Pueblos during the present month, and, as a matter of course, 1 
have been greatly annoyed by their visits, and the expenditures neces- 
sarily incurred tliereby. 

The Census as taken by Chs. Blumner, assistant Marshall, of the 
Pueblos of San Ildefonso, Pojoaque, Tesuque, and Nainbe, exhibits 
a list of only four hundred and seventeen persons. In my letter No. 5, 

1 O. I. A., Santa F^ Agency, C 565. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 281 

dated Octr. 4 1849. you were informed that a Census of 1847 put 
them down at five hundred and ninety. I have before me a memo- 
randum made from information given to me by old citizens, one a 
native of this territory, who gave to these Pueblos an average of 
over three hundred., each. Mr, Blumner is capable and honest, and if 
the Census, as taken by him, is incorrect, it is because the Indians 
have concealed the truth. Let us pass over the estimates of visitors 
to these Pueblos, and compare the Census of 1847 with that of 1850. 
The decrease in jDopulation is shown to be One hundred and seventy 
three. What has become of these Indians? We know of no special 
mortality that has fallen upon them for the last three years. Then, 
in my opinion, it follows, that these Indians have deceived those who 
have been charged with the taking of the Census, or many are re- 
nouncing their Catholicism and joining the nomadic, if not the wild 
tribes who encircle this territory. 

EI^^ Ought not this Agency to be in possession of means to bring 
to light the truth in reference to these discrepancies? The question 
is respectfully submitted to the Department. The Jicarilles, Apaches, 
remain yet in the neighborhood of Manzana. (See my letter No 86 
Novr. 5 1850.) They visit Manzana whenever they choose, and buy 
and sell without hindrance. Their chief capital is known to be, so 
I am informed by Dr Connoly, the mules which they stole from him 
and others, of which I advised you by my letter No. 79, August 30th 
1850. 

I^^Ought not the impudence of these Indians to be checked? I 
think so. 

The Utahs seem to be perfectly quiet, and say they are waiting to 
ascertain what their Great Father, the President of the U. S. will 
do for them. 

Many of the Pueblo Indians enquire why it is their Great Father 
will not allow them to visit him. I have reminded them of the great 
distance from Santa Fe to Washington City, and assured them, that 
in due time the President would invite some of them to come to his 
house. 

With great respect, 
I am. 

Your obt servt. 

J. S. Calhoun 

Ind. Agt 
Hon. 

L. Lea. 

Comr. Ind. Affs. 

Washington Gity^ 

D.G. 



282 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

[CALHOUN TO LEA/] 

No. 1. 

Indian Agency. 
Santa Fe, New Mexico. 

January 6 1851. 
Sir, 

I fear what I am about to say, will not reach you before the 
adjournment of Congress, but it is really important, that some spe- 
cial provisions, or regulations, should be adopted for the government 
of trade and t^^ftde intercourse, suited to the condition of affairs in 
this Territory. 

Military 

There are no suitable t^adieg posts yet established, 

where it would be expedient to establish trading posts for our 
Indians — They ought, by all means, to be kept from the interior of 
the country, if for no other reason, that depredations might be prop- 
erly charged — 

It should be remembered, that the Apaches, Comanches, Navajos, 
and Utahs, have no fixed habitations, or homes, and with the excep- 
tion of the Navajos, but few cultivate the soil. Trading with these 
Indians has been conducted by travelling dealers — Such intercourse 
is exceedingly pernicious — but until these Indians are confined 
within certain fixed limits, you may not expect the evils to be 
remedied 

If it is not deemed advisable to prevent the vagrant intercourse 
here alluded to, would it not be better to designate spots, and periods 
where all might congregate for trade, under the eye of an Agent, to 
be sustained by a suitable military force? 

I have had but a moment to submit the foregoing suggestions for 
your consideration, 

and have the honor to be, 

Your obt. servt, 



Hon. 

L. Lea. 

Gomr. of Ind. Affs 

Washington City 
D.G. 



J. S. Calhoun 

Ind. Agt. 



O. I. A., Santa F6 Agency, C 573. 



COREESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 283 

[SABRACINO TO CALHOUN.'] 

Pajarito January W. 1851. 
Mr James S. Calhoun 
Respected Sir and Friend 

In compliance with the request you made me during your visit to 
Albuquerque a few daj^s ago, in regard to the depedations committed 
by the Navajoe tribe, and the assistance rendered by the troops sta- 
tioned at Socorro and Sebolleta when called upon so to do, I now 
proceed to inform you to the best of my ability and in accordance 
with the facts I have been able to collect during so short a period. 

By the accompanying copies marked 1 & 2 you will acertain the 
incidents of the Expedition of Ramon Luna, prefect of Valencia, to 
the Navajo country. The first will inform you of the assistance he 
demanded of the Commander of Sevolleta, and his reply, the cir- 
cumstances which compelled him to advance into the Navajo coun- 
try and the events that transpired during his campaign, the second 
will inform you of the assistance demanded of the Commander at 
Socorro, by the alcalde of that place. As regards the depredations 
commited in this county, they are as follows. 

On the 20th of June 1850 the Navajoes, ran off at Puerco river 
the stock of Jose Antonio Chavez, Jose Rafael Sanchez, Manuel 
Padillos and Felipe Herrera, all those interested started in pursuit 
of the Indians, while Francisco Chaves went to Servolleta to demand 
assistance from the troops at that place, which he obtained but were 
of no use, as they returned the next day to their quarters. Francisco 
Chaves with the few men he could collect at Sevolleta, followed in 
pursuit of the Indians, and, overtook them, but unfortunately they 
were too strong he made an attempt to recover part of the Stock, but 
was compelled to retreat, with the loss of five saddled mules, and five 
wounded including himself. 

Being at Sevolleta on the 21st of October 1850 about Sunrise our 
Navajo Ally informed the commander that the Navajoes were run- 
ning off the stock of Juan Garcia and Rafael Mejicano, distant about 
15 miles, the troops were ordered out but returned the next day, the 
stock was gone and no reason assigned for the return of the troops 

On the 24th of the same month the Navajoes ran off 3869 sheep 
belonging to Jose Antonio Sarracino at Agua Salada, and two men 
were killed who were pasturing them, nothing was known of the 
affair until four or five days after the robbery took place. 

On the 7th of December 1850 at 3 oclock P. M. the same Navajo 
Indians ran off from Rincon de Concha the stock of Francisco Sar- 
racino and 5822 sheep belonging to Jose Francisco and Jesus 



1 Enclosure No. 2 of letter, No. 3, 1851. Printed In Annual Report, Commissioner of 
Indian Affairs, 1851, pp. 187-188. 



284 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S, CALHOUN. 

Apodaca, taking a northern route they passed 10 miles to the east of 
Sevolleta, Jesus Apodaca on being informed of the occurence went 
immediately to demand assistance from the commander, taking with 
him as interpreter a soldier by the name of Molinete. The com- 
mander I am informed ordered out seven men to examine the trail, 
when they arrived at the spot where the stock had passed, their 
tracks were scarcely visible on account of the snow that had fallen 
the night previous, the result was that the soldiers turned back and 
went to their quarters 

On the 31st of December last it was known in the prefecture under 
my charge that the Apaches had stolen, four or five days previous, 
from the river Puerco more than 100 head of Cattle from the town 
of Isleta. I immediately ordered out forty men who started on the 
1st of January under the command of Ambrosio Beita, following up 
the trail they overtook the Indians on the morning of the 6th in the 
Tel ares Mountains, they made an attack on them, recovered the stolen 
property, wounded two of their number, and took from them four 
saddled animals and other spoil 

Col, this is all the information I can give you at present in regard 
to the incursions of the Indians The depredations they have com- 
mitted on the lives and property of the inhabitants of this district are 
so numerous and of so frequent occurrence, that it would take consid- 
erable time to collect the information of past injuries 

Without any further information at present I subscribe myself. 
Your mo. Obdt Servt 

signed Frc° Sarracino 

Prefect. 

I certify the above to be a correct translation of the original. 

David V Whiting 

Tra7islator 

Santa Fe Feh 1. 1815. 

[Inclosure.] 
Nol. 

COPY OF A DESPATCH SENT BY KAMON LUNA PREFECT OF VALENCIA TO HIS 
EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR OF THE TERRITORY, RELATn^E TO HIS EX- 
PEDITION TO THE NAVAJO COUNTRY. 

Hon DoNACiANO ViJiL, Secretaini of State of tlie Territory of New 

Mexico 
Sir. 

Under date of 16 Nov last I received a communication from Mess 
Andres Romero, and Anastasio Garcia, Citizens of the County under 



COERESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN, 285 

my jurisdiction, informinsr me that the Navajoes, had robbed them of 
2000 sheep at the point called Valverde I immediately issued orders 
to the Alcaldes of the county to collect the best men they could find, 
and be ready at the point of Cubero on the following day, while I 
proceeded to Sevolleta, to demand assistance from the commander of 
the troops stationed at that point which I effected immediately on 
my arrival through a despatch asking him for the mentioned assist- 
ance to proceed to the vecinity of the town of Luna fi'om where it 
was supposed the Indians would start with the stolen property, he 
returned me a verbal answer that he would not give me the assist- 
ance I required as the horses belonging to the troops were in a wild 
condition From thence I was obliged to proceed with only fourteen 
men which were furnished to me by the alcaldes, taking with me the 
Clerk and Sheriff of my country I was reinforced by 40 men form- 
ing part of a volunteer company which was being raised at that time 
by permission of the commander of the troops stationed at Sevolleta, 
and which were going on an Expedition to the Navajo country, with 
this reinforcement I proceeded to the vicinity of Colorado Lake, 
where we joined the balance of the volunteer company there we suc- 
ceeded in capturing 500 of the stolen sheep Finding myself at this 
point it was impossible for me to return with so small a number of 
men I therefore went on with 292 men to " Mesa de la Vaca," there 
I divided my forces and scattered them on the various routes to the 
Navajo country I succeeded in chastising the Indians and taking their 
stock amounting to 5,000 Sheep, 150 riding animals, 11 Oxen and 28 
prisoners, also 20 four men, who were delivered to us by a Navajo 
who surrendered himself to save his life We used up nearly TOO 
fanegas of their com, With these spoils we started back without 
sustaining any loss whatever ; on m}^ way back I was unfortunate in 
losing some of my men for want of discipline, when we arrived at the 
mouth of the canion of Chelle, 6 of my men were killed who left the 
camp without permission here we met an Express consisting of 13 
men, when we reached San jVIiguel they thought themselves out of 
all danger being near Sevolleta, they lied down Avithout taking any 
precaution whatever, and were surrounded by the Navajoes while 
asleep and defeated, up to this time 6 of them have been found 4 of 
which are wounded, the other 7 are still missing 

While writing this communciation I will also add that some diffi- 
culty exists between the owaiers of the recovered stock and the cap- 
tors. The former claim the sheep as their property, and can prove 
it by their brand wdiile the latter maintain that they are in the same 
position with the other goods and should be subject to the same con- 
ditions. However I beleive the Governers decision will settle the 
dispute. 



286 CORRESPONDENCE Of JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

This is all I have to advise you of You will please communicate 
the facts to his Excellency the Governer for the purposes which he 
may direct 

Lunas January 20 1851. 

Signed Ra^mon Lu^'A, prefect. 

A true copy of the original 

Signed Fra° Sarracino, prefect. 

No 2. 

copy or A DISPATCH DIRECTED BY MR RAMON LUNA TO THE ALCALDE OF 

SOCORRO. 

Territory of New Mexico 

County of Valencia 

By virtue of a note dated the 6th received from the Hon Circuit 
Judge, Antonio Jose Otero, advising me of the depredations com- 
mitted on his property by the Apaches, with the request that I should 
inform the commander of the forces at Socorro requesting him to 
furnish the necessary aid; we assembled at the point of Vacas, from 
whence we commenced our march which at last proved fruitless, on 
account of the manner in which the Americans and their officers 
wished to travel, their days march was to be exactly five leagues, and 
was necessary they should have an abundance of water I was so 
restricted to this mode of travel that I was compelled to return, not 
only on account of the danger to which I was exposed as the manner 
in Avhich the American officer would compel me to travel, we only 
travelled the distance of 30 leagues, which accounts for not carrying 
out the object of our Expedition against the Indians 

I can say without exageration that my return was insisted on by 
the Americans on the plea that I was to conduct them through places 
where they should have a sufficient quantity of water finding myself 
in this condition and observing a smoke to arise from the foot or 
northern extremity of the Sierra Blanca, I ordered off a detachment 
to that point. I was now abandoned by the men who accompanied 
me and whom I left for lost on those plains on account of the Ameri- 
cans who Avished to lay the blame on the Alcalde, and insisted that 
he was to furnish them with everything necessary for their transpor- 
tation finally not to trouble your Honor too much suffice it to say 
that it lacked but little that I should go to the Devil in company 
with the Americans 



COKKESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 287 

In addressing your Honor this dispatch I do it with the highest 
considerations of friendship and respect. 

signed J A. By Pino 

Alcalde 
To Mr E. Luna prefect of the 

county of Valencia 
I certify the above to be correct translations of the original docu- 
ments. 
Santa Fe Feby 1. 1851. 

David V Whiting 

Translator 

[CALHOUN TO LEA.^ 

No 2. 

Indian Agency. 
Santa Fe New Mexico 

Jany. 31. 1851. 
Sir, 

The mail from the States arrived on the 26th inst. and I have now 
to acknowledge the receipt of your letters of Octr. 12th Novr. 18th 
and Deer. 5th — The first was received by the previous mail, accom- 
panied by the Form of a Bond as Indian Agent, which you will 
remember I can not execute, just now, agreeable to your instructions, 
there being no such officers in this Territory as must attest and certify 
the Bond — that is, its due execution. 

My utmost efforts, in obedience to your instructions, will be put 
forth, as they have been heretofore, to ascertain the fate of Mrs 
White's child, and servant, and if possible to secure their redemp- 
tion — The enclosed Hand Bill will explain itself — I have Pueblo In- 
dians, and Mexicans engaged in this holy undertaking — There are 
but few who are willing to undertake a service which they regard as 
so extremely hazardous But you may rely upon one fact, that noth- 
ing I can do, or cause to be done, will be without its accomplishment, 
in this matter. 
I am, 
Sir, 

Your obt. servt 



J. S. Calhoun 

Ind. Agt 



Hon. 

L. Lea. 

Gomr. of Ind. Affs. 

Washington City D. G. 



1 O. I. A., Santa F6 Agency, C 581. 



288 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

[CALHOUN TO LEA.'] 

No. 3. 

Indian Agency. 
Santa Fe, New Mexico. 

Fehy. 2. 1851. 
Sir, 

I am pained, and mortified, that I am not yet advised as to the 
pecuniary means by which this Agency may be releived of its em- 
barrassments — I am, daily, a dependent upon the circumstances 
around me — This ought not to be so — Ought I not to know what 
means this Agency has to assist in executing the laws, and carrying 
out the policy of the Administration in reference to the Indian 
tribes of this Territory ? / think so — 

During the month past the Indians have been active in every 
direction— and for no one month during the occupancy of the Terri- 
tory by the American troops have they been more successful in their 
depredations — Early in January they drove off a quantity of stock 
from near the Pueblo of Isletta — about the 15th of the same month, 
the Navajos made a descent upon Corrales, a Mexican town upon the 
Rio Grande, seven miles above Alburque — drove off all the stock 
thej' could find, quantity unknown — killed one man, wounded two, 
and carried off a captive — About the 25th near Pecos, twenty five 
miles from Santa Fe, on the road to San Miguel, the Indians drove 
off several large herds of Sheep, and other Stock, killed three pas- 
tores, and wounded another — 

A Band of Utahs have recently visit a settlement on the St 

and 
Charles, near the Arkansas river, carried off all the provisions, 

animals, and money that they could find, and one captive — During 
the month of January, the weather was extremely moderate, and the 
Apaches and Navajos have roamed in every direction through this 
[Territory — I have reason to beleive, they assume the guise of Pueblo 
Indians and come into this city. 

While at Alburquerque, a few days ago, I ascertained the reprisal 
expedition, of which I have heretofore advised you, had returneu — 
and the Prefect inform me he was having prepared an official report 
for Governor Munroe — I begged him to furnish me with a copy of 
it; and I herewith enclose to you a translation of the report, and a 
letter ^ addressed to me, accompanying — Both of these papers exhibit 
a state of feeling deeply to be regretted, and if it was not important 

1 O. I. A., Santa F6 Agency, C 582 ; Annual Report, Commissioner of Indian Affairs, 
1851, p. 186. 
« See p. 283. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 



289 



that you should be fully advised as to the true condition of affairs 
in this territory, I would not forward them to you 





Sheep 


Horses 


Mules 
& Asses 


Cows 


184t) 


14,243 
24,333 
28, 502 
24,754 
58,399 


167 
307 
137 
2fi0 
22 


149 
217 
167 
137 
91 


80 


1847 


210 


1848 


271 


1849 


522 




151 







The foregoing table is an api^roximate statement of losses in the 
counties of Santa Ana & Bernadillo, without including a large 
amount of Government stock — for the years as indicated — I have 
not been able to procure similar information in reference to the other 
counties — But this table may be regarded as a fair specimen for the 
Territor}^ — and is worthy of serious consideration. 
I am 

With great respect 

Your obt servt. 



J. S. Calhoun 

Ind. Agt 



Hon. 



L. Lea. 

Comr. of hid. Afs. 

Washington City 

D. G. 



[CALHOUN TO LEA. 

No. 4. 



Indian Agency 
Santa Fe, New Mexico. 

Fehry. I,. 1851 
Sir, 

Mr Kern arrived from Alburquerque last night, and has informed 
me that on Saturday last, a band of Indians, supposed to be Navajos," 
made a descent upon some Ranches, six or eight miles below Albur- 
querque, and committed depredations, the extent of which had not 
been ascertained. The daring of these Indians produced quite a 
sensation at, and in the neighborhood of Alburquerque, inducing the 
Court Martial to adjourn for the day, on the receipt of the intelli- 
gence. Lt Pleasanton, in command of dragoons, were ordered in 

lO. I. A., Santa ¥€ Agency, C 587. 

* In connection with the Navaho Indians, the report of Colonel Munroe affords some 
slight interest. 

5021—15 19 



290 COERESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

pursuit, and it is hoped the cunning of the Indians will not avail 
them on this occasion. 
I am, 

Sir, 

Your obt servt. 

J. S. Calhoun 

Ind. Agt 
Hon. 

L Lea. 

Coinr. of Ind. Affs 

[Related Correspondence.] 

[muNROE to JONES.^j 

IIiLVD Quarters, 9th Department 

FoBT Union, N Mexico. 
Major General R. Jones January 27th J851 

Adjt: General, 
General, 

I have the great satisfaction to report the the new posts that have been estab- 
lished in this territory, are already exercising a favorable influence in our 
Indian relations. The XJtahs, and Jacarilla Apaches, have been perfectly quiet, 
these tribes are influenced by this post, and in order to ensure their permanent 
submission, I intend to put a post in the Utah country, about 80 miles north 
of Taos. The Navajoes have shown no hostility, since the Governor and I met 
them in Council at their own solicitation, on the 25th ultimo. 

The Gila Apaches have paused. I have heard of no depredations committed 
by them, since the establishment of Fort Webster. It is unquestionably true, 
that the most certain way to subdue Indians, is to establish posts in the heart 
of their country- These posts confine them at home, they will never venture 
to make distant hostile expeditions, and leave their families, and property, 
within striking distance of vigilant garrisons. Besides this, they are brought 
into contact with us, and their wants are multiplied, and as we only can supply 
them, it makes them directly dependent upon us. They also, soon discover, 
that we have no wish to injure them so long as they remain at peace. 

I think it would be very desirable, to place a small post on the great plains, 
midway between this, and the Arkansas. 

There is a place on the Cimerone, where there is an abundance of timber, 
good water, and soil, (It is marked on the map.) — a post at this place, would 
make the traveling on the plains, as safe as it is in Missouri. As soon as I 
can find time, I will go down there, and decide upon the matter. 

As it will require some time to make the map that has been called for, I 
have thought it better, to have an old map prepared, that may answer for 
immediate reference. 
I am Sir 

Very llespectfully 

Your Obt. Servt 

lA. G. O. Old Book, No. 1. Dep.-irtment of New Mexico, also vol. 8, Department of 
New Mexico, pp. 123-124. 



COKRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 291 

[WHITING TO CALHOUN.'] 

Santa Fe February 10 1851. 
Mr James S Calhoun 

Dear Sir. 

In compliance with your request I give you a statement of some 
facts relative to the depredations committed by the Navajo Indians, 
which were related to me during my recent visit to the lower country, 
as they were told me by persons of respectability and in whose char- 
acter I have the greatest confidence I think I can vouch for their 
authenticity. 

Three or four evenings previous to my arrival at Bernalillo I was 
informed the Five Navajo Indians had driven off about 25 head of 
cattle from that place, they also killed a cow and devoured it before 
starting at Las Lunas two men belonging to the town were out to 
inspect their stock which was distant about five miles, the Indians 
came upon them while they were asleep, and after taking their lives 
and robbing their persons, ran off with the cattle also. 

I intended going down as far as Socorro, but was persuaded not to 
do so, as the Indians were scouring the road in bands of one and two 
hundred the danger is so great that persons will not travel that por- 
tion of the country unless in large parties and well armed. I was 
also informed that, one Indian alone, without any aid at all entered 
a small town in the vicinity of Las Lunas and carried off 25 mules. 
Applications have been made several times to the troops posted in the 
vicinity demanding assistance but to no purposes, It would not be 
worth while to inform you of their appearance at Albuquerque as you 
are already acquainted with the facts. 

The depredations referred to above have all occured within the last 
two weeks, those committed at Las Lunas must have occured very 
recently as the people of that place had not yet recovered from their 
consternation and sorrow 
Yours Kespy 

D. V. Whiting 

Mr J. S. Calhoun 

Present 

[CALHOUN TO LEA.'] 

No. 5. 

Indian Agency. 
Santa Fe, New Mexico 

Fehruary 13th 1851. 
Sir, 

I have this day drawn on the Department for the Interior for five 
hundred dollars, chargeable to the appropriation of fifteen hundred 

1 Enclosure of No. 6, 1851. 

2 O. I. A., Santa F6 Agency, C 607. 



292 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

dollars for the redemption of the daughter of Mr & Mrs J. M. 
White— This draft is drawn in favor of Maj F. A. Cunningham, Pay 
Master U. S. A. and in obedience to your instructions, dated, Novem- 
ber 18th 1850, which was received at this Agency Jany. 26. 1851. 
I am. 

With great respect. 

Your obt. servt 

J. S. Cai.houn 

Ind. Agt 
Hon. 

L. Lea. 

Gomr. of Ind. Affs. 

Washington City 
D. C. 

[CALHOUN TO LEA.' J 

No. 6. 

Indian Agency, 
Santa Fe, New Mexico, 

Fehrv/aty 16, 1851. 

Sir, 

My No. 4. of the 4th inst. advised you that depredations had been 
committed by Indians near Alburquerque — About thirty cows, and 
other animals, were driven off — The Indians were immediately pur- 
sued by the owners of the Stock, and other citizens, and after several 
hours, of rapid travel, discovered the Indians retiring with the ut- 
most speed — It soon became apparent the Indians could not escape 
with all of their booty, whereupon, every animal of the cow kind 
was speared by them, and their escape effected. At or near the spot 
where the spearing occurred, the pursuers encamped, and were over- 
taken by Lieut Pleasanton and his command — Further pursuit was 
not deemed advisable, and both of the pursuing parties returned. 

The accompanying note, addressed to me by Mr. D. V. Wliiting, a 
reliable man, will give you a few additional items — Subsequent oc- 
currences Such scenes will continue to occur, until the powers at 
Washington, shall accord to the people of this Territory, ample pro 
tection If this is not afforded, tlie people must abandon the Terri- 
tory, or consent to be murdered, or starved to death — unless they are 
able and willing, and shall determine to protect themselves — T state 
the case as it is understood by me. Other conclusions may be pro- 
mulged, but factitious facts must be given to sustain such conclusions 

1 O. I. A., Santa F6 Agency, C 604 ; Annual Report, Commissioner of Indian Affairs, 
1851, pp. 190-192. 



COEKESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 293 

THE PUEBLO INDIANS 

are manifesting some impatience to know what their Great Father 
intends to do with them — or for them — They are excessively an- 
noyed by Mexicans, and others — The encroachments upon their 
rights and priviledges are innumerable — We have promised them 
protection; and yet, there is a daily addition to the outrages pre- 
viously perpetrated. 

days, 
I have been excessively annoyed, for the last fifteen by com- 

plaints from these Indians; and, I suppose. Col. Munroe, the acting 
Governor of this Territory, has not been less annoyed than myself 
The Governor must correct errors, or they pass without correction — 
There is no power in this Territory, but what passes to the people 
through him or emanates from him There are but few restraints that 
the ba5^onet does not suggest, and it is well there is something here 
to check vitiated and unbridled passions and purposes, to some extent. 

THE APACHES. 

It is already recorded, as part of the history of the times in which 
we live, the Jicarillas, (Apaches,) the Indians who combined with 
others to murder and rob a portion of Mr J. M "White's party at the 
" Point of Eocks " in Octr. 1849, and to seize the females as captives, 
are now the Pastores of certain citizens residing below Alburquerque, 

Creek 
some of whom they robbed in August, 1850, near the Cedar 
Springs Bl^^See No 79 of that year This remarkable fact, can, in 
no way, derogate from citizens who desire the usual protection 
afforded to the people who live under the jurisdiction of the Govern- 
ment of the United States 

An Apache Cheif, and an aid or servant of his, are now with me — 
The Cheif says, he resides about midway between The Copper Mines 
and Pimo settlement — sometimes called villages He talks in a very 
clear way, and if the Congress of the United States have done the 
needful, there will be, I apprehend, but little difficulty in controlling 
these Indians I have given to these two Indians such presents as I 
deemed necessary, and they propose departing on to-morrow 



With the exception of the Band mentioned in my No. 3. I have no 
reason to beleive they have committed any outrages of late Nor 
am I advised as to the movements of the Band since the date of my 
No. 3. 

1' 



294 COEKESPONDEFCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

From a note addressed to Govr. Munroe by C. H. Merritt, Mar- 

of New Mexico 
shall, I learn that the aggregate of the population 
amounts to 61,574, including, as I have reason to suppose, soldiers, 
ftnd Government Teamsters, and Pueblo Indians There are not, in 
my opinion, 300 American citizens in this Territory, unconnected 
with the army, and many of these remain upon compulsion — The 
population of the Territory has suffered considerable diminuation 
during the past year — The causes I have already placed before you: 
and the same causes are yet in full force 

The Marshall's return of the census to the Department will show, 
as I am informed by the assistant Marshall, the population of the 
Pueblos named below, to be as follows 

Taos 361 Zuiii 1500 Santana 399 

Picai-io 222 Laguua 749 Jemes 3C5 

San Juan 568 Acoma 350 San Felipi 411 

Santa Clara 279 Lentis 210 Santa Domingo. 606 

Sanlldefonso 139 Isleta 751 Cochiti 254 

Pojoaque 48 Sandia 241 2095 

Tesuque 119 Cia ]24 3925 

Nambe 111 1847 

Total 7867 

This, you will remember, does not include the two Pueblos below El 
Paso, nor the seven Moqui Pueblos 

Aggregate of census return 61, 574 

Pueblo Indians 7,867 



Americans. Mexicans & all others. 53, 707 
I am, 

With great respect. 

Your obt. servl. 

J. S. Calhoun 
Hon. Ind. Agt 

L. Lea. 

Com,r. of Tnd. Afs. 

Washington OiU/ 

b. c. 

[CALHOUN TO LEA.'] 

No. 7. 

Indian Agency. 
Santa Fe, New Mexico. 

Fehry. 28th 1851. 
Sir, 

The mail which arrived from the States on the 26th inst. brought 
me nothing from your office, except your "Annual Report". My 

> O. I. A., Santa F« Agency, C 608. 



COERESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN". 295 

embarrassments are extremely harrassing, as I am without means or 
instructions, and without a satisfactory guarantee that my actings 
and doings will be approved. 

Near the Indian Pueblo, Jemez, and in the immediate neighborhood 
of Socorro, and between the named places, Indians have committed 
many depredations in driving off Stock during the last fortnight — 
Efforts to commit depredations must increase in proportion to the 
diminuition of stock — which have nearly disappeared on the line of 
the Rio del Norte — Serious apprehensions are entertained that much 
suffering will be experienced during the present year for the want of 
food, especially among the poor, and, as a matter of course, the cal- 
endar of crime must be greatly enlarged. 

This is my last letter to you as Indian Agent, and my accounts in 
that capacity will be immediately closed up to the present date 

Having received the appointment of Governor of New Mexico, I 
am, by law, recognized as Superintendent of Indian Affairs, and it 
is hoped that I may receive, at an early day, all needful instructions — 
This point I can not too strongly urge upon the immediate con- 
sideration of the Department. 
I am, 

With great respect. 

Your obedient servant 

James S. Calhoun 

Indian Agent. 
Hon Luke Lea 

Confimissioner of Indian Affairs. 

Washington City 

D. G. 

[CALHOUN TO LEA*] 

Indian Agency 
Santa Fe N Mexico 

Feh 28'' 1851. 
Sir. 

I have this day drawn on the Department of the Interior for one 
Thousand dollars in favour of Thomas A Reeves of Phila, which 
please pay and charge to the account of this Agency. 

This amount is absolutely necessary to enable me to close my out- 
standing accounts as Indian agent. 

James S. Calhoun 

Indian Agent 
Hon. L. Lea, 

(Jom^ of Indian affairs 

Washington City 

B.C. 

1 O. I. A., Santa P6 Agency, C fil8. 



296 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

[WEBSTER TO CALHOUN ^] 

Department of State, 
Washington^ January^ 9, 1851. 
Sir: 

The President having, by and with the advice and consent of the 
Senate,^ appointed you to be Governor of the Territory^ of New 
Mexico, I have the honor to enclose your commission. You will be 
pleased to inform * this Department of the receipt of it, and, should 
it be accepted, of the name of the State or County in which you were 
born. 



I am, Sir, respectfully. 



Your obedient servant, 

Daniel Webster. 



Hon. 

James S. Calhoun, 
; c&c. t&c. <&c. 

Santa Fe. 

[LEA TO CALHOUN'] 

( Department of the Interior, 

'*> I Office Indian Affairs, 

January 22 1851 
Calhoun,^ His Excy J. S. ' "^^t*... . 

Santa Fe "~"'2-'_ ^^^^^ -- 

New Mexico ^^'^^^l^n^--^-^^''-^^'^'^^ 

Sm: 

I have received your letters complete, including No. 87, of the 30th 
Nov. last. 

IB. I. A., D. L., vol. 38. 

* President Fillmore sent in the nomination, December 23, 1850 (Senate Executive 
Journal, VIIl, p. 280) It was referred to the Committee on Territories, of which Douglas 
was chairman, and reported back favorably. (Ibid., p. 282) The nomination was con 
firmed, January 7. 1851. 

3 The Territory was established by the Act of September 9, 1850, (9 U. S. Stat, at L.. 
446-452) This, as is well known, was one of the compromise measures of that year. 

* Calhoun's letter, supposing he wrote one, in reply to this, has not been found. 
5 O. I. A., L. B., No. 44, p. 152. 

•Calhoun was inaugurated, March 3, 1851, A. G. O., Files, Filed with C 63 of 1850. 

Hd. Qrs. 9th Mil : Dept, 

Santa Ffi_, New Mexico 

March 2nd 1851. 
Special Orders 
No. 12. 
Col : James S. Calhoun having been appointed by the President, by and with the advice 
and consent of the Senate. Governor of the Territory of New Mexico, and he having 
signified to Col : Munroe the present Civil and Military Governor, his intention of entering 
upon the discharge of his Official duties tomorrow. Col : Munroe directs that the following 
order of arrangement be observed by the Troops at this Post. 

Bvt. Lieut. Col. H. Brooks Commanding the Second Artillery Battalion will detail one 
Company of Artillery, and Major Morris Commanding 3rd Infantry, Company " D ", 3rd 
Infantry to escort the Governor from his present place of residence to the Government 
House now occupied by Col : Munroe. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 297 

Excepting the report of the Committee of Ways & Means, recom- 
mending an appropriation, for fulfilling treaties with the Navajoes 
of 9th Sept, and the Utahs of 30th December 1849, in accordance 
with my special estimate, of $18000, each, there has been no action 
on the part of Congress in reference to Indian Affairs in New 
Mexico, 

As confirmatory of the deplorable condition of our Indian relations 
in the Territory, which was fully set forth in my annual Report; I 
have transmitted duplicate copies of your letter No. 87, to the Secy 
of the Interior with the recommendation that it be laid before the 
appropriate Committees in Congress. 

Very respectfully, Your Obt Servt 

L Lea 

Gomr, 

[CALHOUN TO LATZ.'] 

Copy. 

Executive Department. 
Santa Fe March 11th 1851 
These presents are to certify that Mr Benjamin J. Latz has the 
nescessary authority to communicate with any tribes of Indians that 
may be found between this place and the White Mountains for the 
purpose of recovering the child of Mrs. J. M. White, as also any 
other American captives that may be in the hands of said Indians. 
And should any of said tribes desire to proceed to the seat of Gov- 

Footnote — Continued. 

The escort to assemble at such time and place as may be designated by Major H. L. 
Kendrick who is detailed to command it. 

Bvt. Lieut. Col. Brooks will so order that a Salute of flfteen Guns be flred in honor of 
the Governor immediately after the inaugeration 

The Band of the 3rd Infantry will be in attendance, the leader of which will be directed 
to report this day to Major Kendrick for instructions. 

By Order of Col. Munroe. 

(Signed) L. McLaws^ 

1 1st. Lt. 7th Infy. 

^.^ '^ A. A. A. Genl. 

Head Quarters, 9th. Mily, Department 

Santa Fe, New Mexico 3d March 1851. 
Sib. 

The Governor of the Territory of New Mexico, James S. Calhoun, was qualified as such 
this day, and has entered upon the duties of his office. 
I am with the Greatest Respect 

Your Very Obdt Servant 

John Munkob 
Maj. 2d. Art. Bt. Col. U. 8. Army Commanding 
To the Honble 

C. M. Conrad 

Secretary of War. 
^Enclosure of McLaws to Alexander, May 8, 1851. 



298 COEEESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

eminent for the purpose of delivering up said captives and make 
treaties, under a white flag, they are to be allowed to do so without 
the interference of any civil or military authorities. This docu- 
ment is to remain in force for the space of Thirty days from this date. 

James S Calhoun 

Governor^ 
and Superintendant of Indn Affrs. 

[CALHOUN TO MUNROE.'] 

EXECUTTVE DePARTIVIENT, 

Santa Fe, New Mexico^ March 16, 1851. 
Sir : The following is a copy of a letter which I have this moment 
received. 

" New Placer, March 15, 1851. 
"This is to inform you that the Indians have killed one of our 
citizens (Don Jose Marie Baca) on the 13th instant, within five miles 
of this place on the road leading to Santa Fe, and they also wounded 
his peon in the side with an arrow. The amount of damage done is 
not yet known. The Indians were seen in our mountains last night; 
their number is not ascertained. A party of the same Indians (Nava- 
joes) are said to be in San Domingo at this time on a trading 
expedition. 

" James Gumming, Alcalde. 

" To His Excellency the Governor of New Mexico." 

I hasten to place before you this information, under the hope that 
you will be able to afford the necessary protection in the premises, 
and to exterminate or expel the Indians, who have been located for 
months not very far from Mazana. 
With great respect, I am, &c., 

James S. Calhoun. 
Col. John Munroe, 

Command^g 9th Military Department, Santa Fe, New Mexico. 

Head-quarters Military Department, 

Santa Fe, New Mexico, March 20. 

A true copy. 

L. McLaws, 1st Infantry. 



1 Annual Report, Secretary of War, 1851, Hoiiso Ex. Doc. 32nd Cong., 1st Sess., No. 2. 
pp. 131-132. 



COEBESPONDEIirCE OF JAMES S. CALHOTJlSr. 299 

[CALHOUN TO LEA.'] 

No. 1 

ExECUTTv^E Department 

Santa Fe, New Mexico 

March 2M, 1851. 
Sir, 

A special private express leaves on to-morrow morning for the 
States, and I seize the opportunity to inform you that Indian mur- 
ders and depredations ^ are, almost daily occurring in this Territory, 
South and West of Santa Fe. The Navajos during the past week, 
murdered one Don Jose Marie Baca ^ and wounded his travelling 
companion, and drove off some stock between this and Mangana — 
On the same day, another party of Navajos drove from a Mesa, about 
fifteen miles from this place, near the road to Peila Blanca, about 
thirty horses and mules belonging to the Vicario of this City and Don 
Tomas Baca of Peiia Blanca — On the 11th of this month, the Jicar- 
illes took possession of a flock of sheep; supposed to number one 
thousand, slaughtered seven hundred, and returned to the owner near 
Anton Chico, three hundred of the poorest, and demanded pay for 
their honesty, but I am not advised that pay was accorded to them — 

Upwards of one hundred head of cattle were driven off by Navajos 
from near San Isidro six days ago — A number of depredations, of a 
similar character, have been perpetrated between Jemez and Socorro, 
on both sides of the Del Norte, within the last fifteen days, but less 
extensive because of the diminished number of animals to be found — 
The diminution is the result of Indian depredations — 

By order of Col. Munroe, Comdg. Dth Mil. Dept. active efforts have 
been made to discover the depredators, but so far, without success — 
These efforts are yet continued — 

In order, if possible, to check the outrages stated above. I have 
deemed it my duty to issue the enclosed Proclamation, and Order to 
the Pueblo Indians. 

The people of this Territory are without the means of self protec- 
tion, the Territorial Treasury is a blank, and the protection of persons 
and property depends solely upon the action of the Government of 

iQ. I. A., New Mexico Supy, N. 1]8. 

2 Consider, in this connection, the approximately contemporaneous reports of the mili- 
tary authorities on pp. 303-S04. 

8 In the " Depredation Claims " files, O. I. A., there are records of many claims brought 
because of depredations committed by New Mexican Indians, especially the Navajos. in 
1851. These are typical cases and in every one of them a letter from the Governor of 
New Mexico, figured as a paper in the case : Francisco Thomas C. de Baca, letter of 
Governor of New Mexico ; Estabran Aragon, letter of Governor of New Mexico, N 343 ; 
Antonio Serafin Luzero. letter of Governor of New Mexico, N 343 ; Pedro Armijo, letter of 
Governor of New Mexico, N 344 ; Lorenzo Montanio, letter of Governor of New Mexico, 
N 344. 



300 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

States, 
the United A number of applications and tenders, similar 

to the enclosed, Marked C, have been made to me, and had I the 
means, and authority, I would instantly accept the enclosed proposi- 
tion, and would peril my reputation upon the full and complete suc- 
cess of the expedition — It is hoped, that Congress, before the termi- 
nation of its late Session, provided the means of releiving the people 
of this Territory from the evils that they have so long, and so justly 
complained of. 

The mail from the States arrived at the Moro on the I7th of this 
month, and we hope to receive it on the 24th or 25th inst., although 
it is said, the Conductor has orders to detain it until the 28th — 
This is excessively annoying to us, for we need expected instructions, 
our Judges, and the effective means necessary to a proper execution 
of our public duties in this Territory — Will you oblige us so far as 
to call the attention of the Post Master General to this matter, for I 
doubt not, if he has the power, he will remedy the detentions com- 
plained of. 

We had quite an extensive conflagration in this City last night, 
and the wood work of some eight or ten tenements were consumed — 
I am, with great respect, Your Obt. Servt 

James S. Calhoun 

Hon : Luke Lea 

Com.r. of Ind. Affrs 

Washington City^ D. G. 

[Inclosures] 

proclamation ^ 

james s. calhoun 

governor 

of the territory of new MEXICO 

To the People of Said Territory 

The present condition of the Territory of New Mexico, surrounded 
as it is by hostile tribes of Indians, whose almost daily incursions and 
depredations are the source of the greatest evils which afflict the 
country, has induced me to issue by virtue of my powers, as Com- 
mander-in-Chief of the Militia of the Territory, this proclamation. 

1 Nearly all printed matters relating to the early territorial history of New Mexico 
can be found among the Territorial Papers in the State Department, Bureau of Rolls and 
Library. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 301 

I recommend to all able-bodied male citizens of the Territory, 
capable of bearing arms, the formation of Volunteer Corps to pro- 
tect their families, property and homes, and as Commander-in-Chief, 
as before mentioned, will commission the officers of such companies 
as may be raised for service against the hostile Indians — upon being 
shown that such companies have been organized, and that the persons 
to be commissioned, have been chosen to their different commands, or 
that the companies have volunteered to organize under the commands 
of such persons so presenting their claims for commissions. 

Immediately upon the organization of any such companies, they 
will report to the Commander-in-Chief their strength and numbers, 
and they are then authorized to pursue and attack any hostile tribe 
of Indians which may have entered the settlements for the purpose 
of plunder and depredation. 

I further direct and order that the property which may be cap- 
tured from any hostile tribe of Indians, by any company raised under 
the foregoing provisions, shall be disposed of in accordance with the 
laws and customs heretofore existing in this Territory — until Legis- 
lative action shall be had upon the subject, either by the Congress 
of the United States or the Legislative Assembly of this Territory, 

I also remind those who may volunteer in any such company, that 
the law will be strictly enforced against any person who shall use 
this measure of protection to the inhabitants of the Territory, as a 
pretext for any depredations upon or invasion of the property of the 
peaceable citizens of N, Mexico ; the intention being to put in force 
the means which are in the power of the people for their benefit, and 
not that a license for injury to them shall be the result. 

In conclusion, the aid and co-operation of the well-wishers to the 
country is asked, that this movement, which it is believed, can be 
made so remedial of the sufferings of the people, may go into suc- 
cessful operation, and that life and property — and the homes and 
fire-sides of the people may be rendered secure from those perils and 
dangers which now so constantly and daily threaten them. 

Given under my hand at the City of Santa Fe, this 18th day of 
March, A. D. 1851. 

James S. Calhoun, 

Governor. 

Executive Department 

Santa Fe New Mexico 

March 19, 1851. 
To the Cacique, Governors and Principals of. — 

The savage Indians who are daily murdering and robbing the 
people of New Mexico, in which T include your Pueblo, must be 



302 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

exterminated or so chastised as to prevent their coining into or near 
your Pueblo. For tliis purpose you are directed to abstain from all 
friendly intercourse with the Navajo Indians and should they dare 
to come into your neighbourhood, you are authorized to make war 
upon them, and to take their animals and such other property as they 
may have with them, and to make divisions of the same according 
to your laws and customs. 

You are required to be exceeding careful to prevent and prohibit 
that the least trouble shall be given to the persons and property of 
all Americans Mexicans and Pueblos, and inform this department 
at an early date of the movements of the Navajos and all that you 
may do by virtue of this order. — 

James S Calhoun Gov. 
c§ Superintendent of Ind. Affs. 
A I^iteral Translation 
D. V. Whiting 

T c& I to the Govmnt 



PROPOSALS TO RAISE SIX COMPANIES OF VOLUNTEERS, FOR AN EXPEDITION 
TO THE NAVAJO COUNlTiY 

1st I propose to raise Six Companies of Volunteers of One Hun- 
dred men in each Company 

2d The Government is to furnish One hundred mules to conduct 
the provisions necessary for the Expedition with the understanding 
that they are to be returned to the Government after the campaign 
shall be ended, with the exception of those that may be killed or 
stolen by the enemy. 

3d The Government is to furnish Six Hundred rifles making 
myself responsible for the delivery of said arms after the conclu- 
sion of the campaign, except those that may be lost on account of 
the death of any member of the Expedition. 

4th It is expected that the Government will supply sufficient 
amunition to conduct the war until its termination, it is also expected 
that the Government will furnish the necessary provisions for the 
support of the troops. 

5th The troops will not claim any remuneration from the Govern- 
ment of the United States, the only recompense they ask for their 
services, is to have the disposal of the interests of the country they 
are to conquer, such as the disposal of Captives, animals cattle &c. 
and they on their part promise to pursue the Navajo Nation to 
their extermination or complete surrender. 

6th The volunteer forces will not be subject to the command 
of any officer or part of the Army of the United States, but will 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 303 

always be ready to obey the orders of the Civil Government of the 
Territory of New Mexico. 
Santa Fe March 18. 1851 

Signed. Manuel Chaves 

A Literal translation of the Original 
D. V. Whiting. 

[Related Correspondence.] 
[McLAWS TO ALEXANDER.!] 

Hd Qrs : 9 Mil : Dept. 
Santa Fe New Mexico 

March U, 1851. 
Colonel, 

Information lias been received that a number of Apache Warriors with their 
families and perhaps some Comauches are assembled at some point about forty 
miles south of Anton Chico — towards the Rio Pecos 

Colonel Munroe desires that you will examine to find out the truth of the 

express 
above report and send word by special to these Head Quarters. 

Since writing the above a report has reached here that a Party of Apaches 
have come in with several hundred sheep which they assert were found strolling 
about without a Pastor they had brought them in as evidence of their friendly 
intention ; It is also reported that they are desirous of having a talk with the 
Governor — you will enquire into the above matter and report at once as to their 
correctness keeping a good watch over the movements of the Indians and hold 
your command in readiness to punish any depredations. 

If any of the Indians should desire to come to this place you will have them 
escorted safely. 

Respectfully 

Your obt Servt 

L. McLaws t Lt 7 Infy 

AAA Genl 
Col. E. B. Alexander 

Commdg 

Las Vegas 

[McLAWS TO H0WB.2] 

Head Quarters 9th. Mil: Dept. 

Santa Fe\ N. M. March 16, 1851. 
Major, 

I enclose herewith a copy of a letter from Govr. Calhoun to Col. Munroe, 
giving information of certain depredations committed by Navajoe Indians near 
the new Placero. 

Col. Munroe directs that if you have not received such information as to 
enable you to act with more probability of success against the marauding party, 
that you send at once a mounted party in the direction of Tajeke to gain infor- 
mation, to be followed as soon as possible by the rest of the disposable force 
of Co K. 

1 a. G. O., Old Book, No. 4, p. 53. 
Mbld., p. 69. 



304 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

You will iilso send at once tlie accompanying communications to Socorro and 
Cibolletta with such information as to the movements of the Indians as you can 
collect. 

Respectfully, 

L McLaws 
Lt 7 Infy A A A Genl 
Major M. S. Howe 

Commding 

Alhurquergue 
P. S. You will report your actions in the matter. 
Respectfully, 

L McLaws 
Lt 7 Infy A A A Genl 
Major M. S. Howe 

[LEA TO CALHOUN.^] 

Department or the Interior, 

Office Indian Affairs, 

3farrh 27. 1851 
Calhoun His Excy James S. 

Santa Fe 
New Mexico 
Sir: 

Your letter (No 88) of the 5th Deer last, transmitting your ac- 
counts for the quarter ending 30th Sept previous, has been received. 
These returns will be speedily examined & referred to the ac- 
counting officers of the Treasury for settlement, & whatever balance 
may be found due you, will be remitted. Until such settlement it 

advance 
is not competent for the Department to make an allowance of 
funds, your connection with the Government as Indian Agent hav- 
ing ceased. 

Very respectfully Your obt Servt 

L Lea 

CoTnr. 

[LEA TO CALHOUN.''] 

Department of the Ini'erior, 

Office Indian Affairs, 

Marrh 27 1851 
Calhoun His Excy James S. 

Santa Fe 
New Mexico 
Sir: 

Your letter (No 89) of the 10th Deer. last, enclosing the sub- 
sistence account of Lieut Thomas, of the Commissary's Department, 
has been received. 

1 O. I. A., L. B., No. 44, p. 263. " Ibid, p. 264. 



I 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN, 305 

On the examination of the latter, the remarks submitted by you 
respecting it, will be duly considered. 

Very respectfully, your obt. Servt. 

L Lea 

Gomr. 

[CALHOUN TO FILLMOKE/] 

Executive Department 

Santa Fe New Mexico 

March 29th. 1851. 
Sir 

This note will be presented to you by Doctor Henry Connelly,^ one 
of the worthiest citizens of this Territory, and who will be able to 
give you authentic information concerning the deplorable condition 
of affairs in New Mexico. Until the Apaches and Navajos are com- 
pletely subdued we can neither have quiet or prosperity in this Terri- 
tory. You are aware that our Treasury is empty, and that we are 
without munitions of war. If we had the use of one thousand stand 
of arms at this time, we could effectually check depredations that are 
being daily committed in our very midst 

Upon this subject I will not trouble you further, but pray you, at 
a convenient moment admit Dr Connelly to a conversation upon such 
topics as you may desire useful and correct information 
I am 

With great respect. 

Your Obedient Servant. 

James S. Calhoun 
His Excellency 

MiixARD Fillmore ^ 

President of the United States 

Washington City 

D.G. 



lA. G. O., Files, N 21 of 1851. 

*ln 1850, when New Mexico attempted, in advance of territorial organization and In- 
dependently of congressional authorization, to set up a State government for Iierself, Dr. 
Henry Connelly was elected, by the people, governor, and Francis A. Cunniugbam and 
Richard H. Weightman, by the newly-formed Legislature, United States Senators. In the 
absence from New Mexico of Governor Connelly, Alvarez took his place and met, as 
Connelly would have done, no doubt, had he been there, with the vigorous opposition of 
Colonel Munroe. (Bancroft, History of Arizona and New Mexico, p. 448.) 

s President Fillmore endorsed the letter as follows : " Mr. Conrad, the bearer of this 
calls on you at my request. He is the gentleman who was elected Governor under 
the state organization." 

5021—15 20 



306 COERESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

[CALHOUN TO STUART/] 

Executive Department 

Santa Fe, New Mexico. 

March 31st 1851. 
Sir, 

It may not be improper to call your attention to heavy expendi- 
tures which this Department must incur, if it discharges its duty with 
fidelity to the people. In the first place, every order, notice, or proc- 
lamation must be written and published in English and Spanish — 
consequently, as the great mass of the people are Mexicans, a trans- 
lator for the Department is necessary, and expenditures in this Ter- 
ritory must not be measured as in the States — my letters, as Indian 
Agent, addressed to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, and the 
Quartermaster's and Commissary's offices in Washington will show 
the extravagant prices paid for services and the means of subsistence 
in this Territor}^ 

My only object at this moment, is to ask your consideration of the 
subject, and the exercise of such discretion as may have been com- 
mitted to you by the Government of the United States. 

The protection of persons and property demands the earliest pos- 
sible action. My letters to the Commissioners of Indian Affairs have 
given to the Department my reasons for this opinion. 

In order to protect our interior firesides if we do not make reprisal 
expiditions against our wild and savage neighbors. We need muni- 
tions of war of every kind. These we have not, and our Treasury is 
empty. Has Congress provided the means to aid us? 

If I had the means at this moment I could, in a few months, secure 
a lasting peace with the Indians in this Territory, and locate them 
within fixed limits & compel them to build Pueblos and cultivate 
the soil, provided trading posts, sufficiently garrisoned, and Indian 
Agents were established. 
I will not trouble you further in reference to this subject. 
I have the honor to be, 
Your obt. Servt. 

James S. Calhoun 
Hon. A. H. H. Stuart, 

Sec. of the Department of the Interior, 

Washington City, D. G. 

IB. I. a., M. L., March, 1851, Alexander H. H. Stuart of Virginia entered upon his 
duties as Secretary of the Interior, September 16, 1850. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 307 

[CALHOUN TO LEA.'] 

No 2 

Executive Department 

Santa Fe New Mexico 

March 31st 1851. 
Sir. 

Your letter of the 22d of January last was received on the 24th 
of the present month, and I trust your efforts to induce action upon 
the part of Congress in reference to Indian Affairs in New Mexico, 
have not proved abortive. 

The Pueblo Indians have caused me much anxiety during the 
present month. Leguna and Acoma have had angry disputations, 
and the shedding of blood has been prevented so far, by my sending 
an Agent to their Pueblos to compromise their respective claims to 
certain lands. They have agreed to abide his award. There is not 
a Pueblo within One hundred miles of this Superintendency that has 
not sent to me delegations, during the month, to make known their 
grievances caused by incroachments upon their landed property 
around their Pueblos. This topic of great danger to the quiet of the 
Territory has been so frequently presented for the consideration of 
the Department, I deem it unnecessary to enlarge upon it. 

The Navajos continue, in small parties, to commit depredations, 
and have not the slightest idea that we can effectually check them. 
They never regard the loss of a few men and captives. A few days 
since, the Navajos drove off stock from near Manzana. The Apaches, 
whose localities have been in that neighborhood for months past, 
ascertained the fact, pursued the Navajos, recovered and returned 
the stock and brought in a scalp, four were wounded and three have 
since died. The Pueblo of Jemez are daily annoyed by them, not- 
withstanding the occasional loss of a man. The Governor of the 
Pueblo is now here complaining that he has not the american pro- 
tection promised, and begging for munitions of war, and the Terri- 
tory is as powerless as the Superintendency. 

Sandoval,^ our Navajo friend near Cebolleta, returned about the 
20th of the month from a visit to his Navajo brethren with Eighteen 
captives, a quantity of stock and several scalps having lost one man 
in the expedition. 

1 O. I. A., New Mexico Supy, N 119; Annual Report, Commissioner of Indian Affairs. 
1851, pp. 193-194. 

a See McLaws to Chandler, p. 309. 



808 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

THE UTAHS, 

were with me on the 25th inst and renewed their manifestations of 
pacific purposes, and reported that they had not been able to hear one 
word in reference to Mrs White, child and servant. Up to this 
moment I have not been able to make nny further discovery in rela- 
tion to the fate of the child and servant, notwithstanding I have had 
out a number of traders in every direction, who have ventured into 
the camps of the Utahs, and the Jicarillas and Mescaleros Apaches 
But I will not remit my exertions. 



Leut J P. Holliday,^ 2d Dragoons, left Albuquerque on the 18th 
with forty four men in search of Indians who had committed depre- 
dations in the neighborhood of Manzana. He found the camp of 
the Apaches, near the Smoky mountains. Sixty miles E. of S. E. of 
Manzana, About two hundred Indians in the camp. Sixty of whom 
were warriors. The Superior Chief of the Apaches East of the Del 
Norte, Chacon, approached Leut Holliday, and enquired the object 
of his visit; declaring at the same time he was for peace, and that his 
people had committed no depredations of a recent date, and at once 
agreed to return with the Leutenant, and he and others are expected 
here on the 3d of the ensuing month The Jicarillas and Mescaleros 
each have a subordinate chief with four warriors, now at the Super- 
intendency. They came in on the 29th inst to ascertain whether I 
would entertain a proposition for a Treaty of Peace and while 
engaged in a talk with them, intelligence of Chacon's intention to 
come in, caused a suspension of our mutual enquiries, and these sub- 
ordinates will remain here until Chacon's arrival 

It is to be regretted that I am without instructions upon this sub- 
ject. I have a very great aversion to groping my way in the dark, 
but in the absence of light, my soundest descretion must be exercised, 
taking care to avail myself of all the information I am be able to 
procure, and the advice of intelligent gentlemen. 
I am 

With great respect 

Your Obedient Servant, 

James S. Cai^houn 
Hon L. Lea 

Commissioner of Indian A fairs 

Washington City 

b. C. 

iSee pp. 310-311. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 309 

[Related Correspondence.] 
[McLAWS TO CHANDLER.i] 

Hd Qrs ; 9 Mil. Dept. 

Santa Fe New Mexico 

April 17, 1851. 
Colonel, 

Sandoval, Cbief of the Pueblo Navajos near Cibolletta is now on a visit to 
this place, be has requested that he may be supplied with arms for his people 
and wishes to know when an Expedition will be made against the Navajos as he 
Is desirous of accompauying it withe«t about twenty of his men — In reference 
to which points Colonel Munroe informed him that they would be considered — 
that he (Sandoval) could confer with you and that you would write to him 
(Col. Munroe) and that at a proper time answers would be given to his 
request & inquiries. 

The above is for your information and guidance in making inquiries and 
observing relative to the position Sandoval and his people now hold, or would 
probably hold if an Expedition was undertaken by our Troops against the main 
Navajo Nation — You stated I believe on your last visit here that it was your 
impression befe Sandoval was not on friendly terms with the rest of the Nation 
on a/c of some of their depredations on the Flocks and Herds of his people & of 
some acts of retaliation on his part. 

It is reported here that the Navajos living in and around the Caiion of Chelley 
& on the lower Rio San Juan have separated from those living on the Upper 
San Juan, the separation having taken place it is believetl with a perfect 
understanding on both sides, the agreement being that the Flocks &c of the 
lower San Juan Party shall be sent to the Upper San Juan until the contem- 
plated Expedition against the Nation should be terminated. 

The Upper San Juan portion believing that Col. Munroe will give credence 
to their professions of peace & friendship, which they have been making for 
some time past, & thus will not visit that section 

Sandoval may be ostensibly at war with the one portion of his Tribe but at 
peace & in communication with the other & by giving information of our move- 
ments to the last, it will tfeefefere be communicated to the whole 

It will therefore be necessary in your conversations with Sandoval not to 
allow him, to gain any information of our movements, but endeavour on your 
part to learn all concerning himself & his people 

For they could be of assistance to us if they so desired & if otherwise might 
do some injury. After you have satisfied yourself in the matter Colonel Munroe 
desires that you would give him your opinion as to the necessity & propriety 
of granting the request of Sandoval mentioned in the first part of this Letter 
Respectfully 

Your obt. Servt 

L McLaws 
1 Lt 1 Infy d A A A Genl 

Col. D. T. Chandler 

Commanding 

Cibolletta 

lA. G. O., Old Book, No. 4, pp. 93-94. 



310 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

[McLAWS TO HOWE.i] 

Head Quarters 9th Mil. Dept. 
Santa F6, New Mexico March SO, 1851. 
Major. 

Information was received this morning from two teamsters, who came from 
Alburquerque, that Lt. Holaday had returned from his expedition bringing with 
him Chacon a chief of the Apache Nation and three of his sons — and that it 
had been determined by you to send these Indians to this place the day follow- 
ing their arrival at Alburquerque — Friday — but that you had delayed their 
departure one day in order to await the arrival of some twenty more Apaches, 
who, it was said would come in voluntarily, being desirous of seeing the Govr. 
There is a deputation of Apache Indians now at this place representing, as 
they say the Apache Nation, Mescaleros and Jacarillas. The chief of this party 
acknowledges that he is subordinate to Chacon — but says that be represents 
his (Chacons) views. 

It being a matter of importance to ascertain the truth of the above report 
Mr. Latz, the bearer of this, has volunteered to start from this place to meet 
Chacon supposed to be on the way here and to converse with him on such 
points as Governor Calhoun may direct, or, if he does not meet him will pro- 
ceed on to Alburquerque for the same object. — Two men from the Arty. Bat- 
talion have been detailed to accompany Mr. Latz. 
Respectfully 

Your obd. Servt. 

L McLaws 

1 Lt7 Infy 
AAA Genl 
Major M. S. Howe 

2d. Dragoons. 

Conidg. Albuquerque. 
P. S. If Lt. Holliday has returned and the report above referred to, is cor- 
rect, Col. Munroe desires that he. Lt. H. if his services are not essential at 
Alburquerque, may be allowed to come to this place, with Chacon and the other 
Indians. 

Respectfully 

L McLaws 
AAA Oenl 
Major M. S. Howe 

[munroe to JONES.^] 

Head Quarters 9th Mil: Dept. 
Santa Fe', N. Me.Hco March SOth 1851. 
Sir: 

I transmit you herewith 

1. Lt. A Plensantons report of a Scout in Pursuit of Navajoes Indians. 

2. Copy of a letter from Bvt. Col. Alexander enclosing a report of Lt Adams 
with accompanying papers. 

8. Copy of a letter from Governor Calhoun to myself giving information as 
to depradations committed by Navajoe Indians near the New Placer with a 
report of Maj Kendrick who was detached with a Mounted party from this 

was ordered out 
post in pursuit — and a report of Lt. Holliday who from Albur- 

querque by Major Howe for the same purpose. 



A. G. 0., Old Book. No. 4, pp. 67-68. » Ibid., pp. 70-71. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 311 

By reference to pjipers marked No. 3 you will perceive tbat Governor Calhoun 
besides asking protection for the inhabitants at the New Placer desired that 
the Indians who had been for months located not far from Mauzana might 
be expelled or exterminated. Major Kendricks report renders it a matter of 
doubt whether or not the Indians had been at the New Placer — and the report 
of Lt. Holliday will explain, why the Indians near Mauzana were neither 
expelled or exterminated — a consequence which might have followed if Lt 
Holliday had not thought proper to deviate from his instructions which were 
based on the hopes of the Executive of this Territory. 

A letter from a Mr. W. S. Skinner an inhabitant of this Territory, advising 
Major Howe that some Apaches w^ere at Manzana is also enclosed — the letter 
is dated January 23d. 1851. — his intention in making the report is at least 
questionable, when it is seen that scarcely two months had elapsed, when he 
Informs Lt. Holliday that those Indians had been protcctinfl the Flocks of the 
inhabitants for a number of months, (see Lt. Hollidays report) 

From the report of Lt. Adams you will perceive that but for his accidental 
encounter with the Pastor of the Flocks of Sheep which had been reported 
as stolen, the report made by Mr. Waters would have been beleived as true, 
and I have no doubt so reported, and a claim on the Government the con- 
sequence. 

The above mentioned reports are typical of the character of a large propor- 
in which 
tion if the assertions made by individuals as to the depredations of 

Indians were thoroughly sifted the result would show characteristic of the 
people as pourtrayed by Lt. Pleasonton or a disregard for facts from motives 
of self interest proved in the instance mentioned in the report of Lt. Adams. 

Various statements emanating from persons in this Territory and circulated 
In the United States through the public prints with I beleive representations 
made more directly to the Department of War, having in view to disparage 
the Military force in this Department and more immediately commanding 
officers, teem with direct violation of truth or with gross misreitreseutations 
intentionally made. The objects mainly to be attained being to prepare the 
public mind and the Congress of the United States to consider favorably the 
claims proposed to be set up for the payment of all the stock which has been 
or which they will represent to have been driven ofE by the various Bands of 
surrounding Indians— through the supposed neglect of the Government to give 
that protection which has been guaranteed by the people of the Territory, and 
by deprecating the services of the regular army, expect that Congress will 
Authorise the Creation of a local force as a substitute or partial substitute for 
it. The official positions of which there is already a surplus of Aspirants ready- 
to fill. 

The enclosed official reports will serve as an illustration to show that the 
Troops have properly performed their allotted duties, and the few remarks 
I have indulged will point out the unwoi'thy motives by which both myself and 
other Commanding officers have been assailed. 
Respectfully 

(sd) John Munuoe 

Major 2d. Art. Bvt. Col. U. S A 

Comdg Dept. 

Major Genl. R. Jones 
Adjt. Genl. 
U 8. A. 

Washington 
D. O. 



312 COEKESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

[CALHOUN TO LEA.'] 

Executive Departiment 

Santa Fe New Mexico 

March SI, 1851. 
Sir 

Your favor of January 16th acknowledging the receipt of Agent 
Greiners report, and yours of the 31st January advising me of the 
appointment of Spence M. Baird as Agent for the Indians of New 
Mexico and requiring him to report to this Department and file his 
bond have been received. 

I take great pleasure in informing you that Genl Baird has 
accepted the' appointment and reported himself to this Department, 
he has also filed his bond with me, which I herewith enclose, in com- 
pliance with your instructions 



Very Respectfully 

Your Obedt Servt 



James S Calhoun 

hy David V Whiting 



Hon L Lea 

Commr of Ind Affs 

Washington City 

D.C. 

[MUNROE TO CALHOUN.''] 
u 

Hd Qrs. 9 Mil. Deft 

Santa Fe N. Mex. 

3Iarch 31st. 1851. 
Sir, 

I have just received your letter of this date stating the representa- 
tion made by the Govr. of Jemez that the Navajoes ^ are depredat- 
ing on the property of the Pueblos, and that for purposes of Defence 
they want a supply of powder and Lead. 

It is not very long since Jousta accompanied Archibille a Navajoe 
Chief into this place — at that time I am led to beleive the intercourse 
between the Pueblos of Jemez and the Navajoes was not beyond 
suspision and I would not now, feel myself at liberty to supply them 
with public ammunitions, without a very evident necessity. 
Respectfully 

(sd.) John Munroe 

Col. James S. Calhoun 

Santa Fe'\ N M. 

1 O. I, A., New Mexico Supy, N 35. 
"A. G. O., Old Book, No. 4, p. 68. 
" See Munroe to .Tones, April 1, 1851. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 313 

[Related Correspondence. ] 
[munroe to jones.^] 

Head Quarters 9th Mil: Deft. 

Santa Fe', N. M. 1st April 1851 
Sir. 

Should the peaceable state of Our relations with the Adjacent Indian tribes 
authorise the movement, I propose making an expedition into the Navajoe 
Country next month, so soon as the grass is sufHciently advanced in growth to 
support animals — contempleating for the movement the employment of a force 
of four companies of dragoons three companies of Infantry, and a detachment 
of Artillery. 

Enclosed, for General Head Quarters is a traced copy of a map of that 
coimtry executed by and under the Superintendence of Lt. Parke, Top. Engs. 
with an itinerary of the routes. It will form an addendum to the map of New 
Mexico, transmitted by Lt. Thomas, 3d Arty. 

The basis of the map is that of Lt. Simpson Top: Engr. The additions from 
detailed descriptions of Carabojal who served as guide to Lt Col. Washington 
on his expedition against the Navajoes in 1S49. — and it is pronounced by per- 
sons competent to Judge, sufficiently accurate for military purposes. 

Lt. Parke is now absent tracing a road from the " Rayado " to the point of 
rocks on the Cimarron route. He will on his return furnish the Topographical 
bureau with a copy. 

There are now at Santa Fe' recently come in two Apache Chiefs, who rep- 
resent themselves and people to be amicably disposed and desirous of entering 
into a treaty. They are waiting the arrival of Chacon a superior Chief who 
accompanied Lt. Holliday 2d. Dragoons into Alburquerque. On his arrival here 
the Governor of the Territory will entertain the subject of their mission 
Respectfully 

(sd) John Munroe 

Major 2d Art. Bvt. Col. U. S A 

Commdg Dept. 
Major Genl. R. Jones. 

Adjutant Genl. 

U. S. A. 

[CALHOUN TO STUABT.'] 

No. 2 

Executive Department 

Santa Fe, New Mexico, 

April 2d. 1851. 
Sir, 

A few moments since the accompanying Treaty ^ was signed, and 
an express is now waiting to convey this and other commimications 
so as to overtake the mail that left on yesterday for the States — 

This is an important move, and I commend it to the grave consid- 
eration of the President of the United States — I have not time to 
record all that I desire to day, in time to overtake the mail — 

^A. G, O., Old Book, No. 4, p. 72. 
«0. I. A., Santa Fe Agency, N, 120, 

*The War Department archives furnish additional documents bearing upon this treaty. 
They are given on pp. 317-320. 



314 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

The Treaty may be observed — and, if I had the means to support a 
small Volunteer force, I could and would secure a reasonable compli- 
ance with the Treaty — I have no advice, I have no instructions, and 
in consultation with Col. Munroe, and others, we came to the conclu- 
sion that the protection of persons and property, in this Territory, 
demanded some temporary arrangement — We think it may save the 
lives of one or more, and their property — We ask the Government to 
advise in the premises at an early moment— I say to you, it is impor- 
tant. There are dark secrets to be revealed, and there are persons of 
repute that may be implicated — That is my opinion — I hope I am 
wrong — But the truth must out — or it should be so — 

There are but few, (if one)^ difficulties or annoyances that I could 
not remedy, at an early moment, if I had the means — That is to say, 
munitions of war, and the funds to provide commissary Stores, such 
as the country affords. 

The Judges for this Territory ought to be here — confusion and con- 
flicts must ensue, if they do not come soon — My language is mod- 
erate — very moderate. 

I have now to suggest, that my best judgement must declare that 
there should be no delay in giving advice and instructions to officials 
in this Territory — The cost of an express should not be considered — 

I conclude by saying, give us the proper authority and means, and 
the needful shall be accomplished, unless rebellion shall command the 
ascendency — and if this comes, it will not be Mexican advice that in- 
duces it — 

I have no time to say more, and have the honor to be 
Your obedient Servant 

James S. Calhoun 

Hon : A. H. H. Stuart 

Sec. of the Department of the Interior 

Washington Gity 
D.G. 

[Inclosure.] 
Triplicate 



WITH THE APACHE INDIANS EAST OF THE 
RIO DEL NORTE 

It is agreed by the contracting parties; that is to say James S. 
Calhoun, Governor and Superintendent of Indian Affairs in the 
Territory of New Mexico, and John Munroe Brevet Colonel of the 
United States Army, commanding the Ninth Military Department; 
on the part of the Government of the United States, and 

Francisco Chacon, Lobo 

Guero and Josecito 

Head Chief and Captains 



COEEESPONDENCE OF -JAMES S. CALHOUN. 315 

on the part of the Apache tribe of Indians east of the Rio del Norte, 
that the following acknowledgements, declarations and stipulations 
shall be binding upon the contracting parties, in all time to come. 
Provided; the Government of the United States shall approve the 
following terms 

First — The said Apache Indians do hereby declare their uncondi- 
tional submission to the Government of the United States, and will 
remove to, and confine themselves to such lands and limits as said 
Government may assign for their use, and build thereon Pueblos, and 
cultivate the soil for their support, or occupy said limits, and con- 
form to all rules, laws and orders that said Government may prescribe 
for their observance. 

Second The said Indians pledge their identity as a tribe, and 
their personal existence, individually, to abstain from all murders, 
and depredations, not to roam within Fifty miles of the settlements, 
or the established highways of the people of New Mexico, or the 
roads leading to the United States; unless under such rules and 
regulations as the Governor and Superintendent of Indian Affairs 
may prescribe, and unless the aforesaid Government shall assign 
them limits nearer to said settlements and highways; that they will 
deliver up all murderers, robbers and fugitives from justice, all cap- 
tives whether Americans, Mexicans, or others, and stolen property 
that may be with them, or in their possession, by or before the First 
day of August next, and will at all times, use their utmost exertions 
to check and chastise all disturbers of the public tranquility, and 
will never afford an Asylum, countenance or protection in any shape 
to murderers, robbers or other wicked persons; but will secure all 
such persons and all stolen property that they may be able to seize, 
whether of Americans, Mexicans or others, and deliver the same at 
the earliest possible day to the appropriate authorities of the Gov- 
ernment of the United States 

Third. — Should this Treaty be approved by the Government of the 
United States, it is understood and agreed that the said Government 
shall establish such Military Posts and trading points, as they may 
select, and in the mean time, duly licensed Traders, shall be per- 
mitted to proceed to Bosque Eedondo and such other places as the 
Governor of this Territory may designate, for the purpose of trading 
with the aforesaid Apaches, and such traders shall not be authorized 
to offer their merchandise for sale at any other places. 

Fourth. — It is distinctly understood that all laws and regulations 
emanating from the Government of the United States assigned for 
the Government of trade, and intercourse with the various Indian 
tribes within the jurisdiction of said States, are valid, and to be 
enforced in the country or district of the aforesaid Apaches. 

Fifth. — Finally, it is agreed upon the part of the Government of 
the United States, should the aforesaid Apaches comply, fairly 



316 COBKESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

and fully, with the foregoing stipulations, upon their part; the said 
Government will grant to them such donations and implements of 
husbandry, and other gratuities as a proper and sound humanity may 
demand, and as may be deemed meet and prudent by said Gov- 
ernment. 

In faith whereof we, the undersigned have signed this Treaty and 
affixed thereunto our Seals in the City of Santa Fe, this Second day 
of April, in the Year of our Lord, One thousand Eight hundred and 
fifty one. 

James S. Calhoun (h s) 

Governor 
and Superintendent of Indian Affairs 
John Munege (h s) 
Major 2d Reg Arty. Bt Col U. S. Army 

Commanding Department 
his 
Francisco x Chacon (h s) 
mark 

head Chief 
his 
LoBO X Captain (h s) 
mark 
his 
GuERO X Captain (h s) 
mark 
his 
JosEciTO X Captain (h s) 
mark 
Witnesses 

H. L. Kendrick Bvt. Maj. JJ . S. Army 
B. V. Bee 

Bvt. Capt, U. S. A. 
L. McLaws 

1 Lieut Infy 
Jose de [ ] Lupair 
Manuel Chaver 
Jose Salazar 

mPino 
W. G. Kephart 
Jno. G. Jones 
E. G. Nicholson 
Manuel Alvarez 
Horace L. Dickinson 
H. N. Smith 
D. V. Whiting Translator & Interpreter 



COERESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 317 

[Belated correspondence.] 
[mUNROE to JONES ^] 

Hd Qbs. 9Mil. Dept. 
Santa Fe N. Mexico 

April 2d 1851. 
Sib, 

I transmit herewith for the War Department a Treaty (executed in tripli- 
cate) entered into this afternoon with certain Apache Chiefs representing the 
Apache's residing East of the Rio Grande 
Governor Calhoun associating me with him to represent the United States 
I am Respectfully 

Your Very obt. Servt. 

Signed, John Muneoe 

Major 2d Arty Bvt Col. USA 

Commdg Dept. 
Major Gen R. Jones 

Adjutant General 

U. 8. Army 
Washington 
D. C. 

[McLAWS TO H0WE.21 

Head Quarters 9th Mil Dept. 

Santa F6, N M. Apl. 5, 1851. 
Major 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Communication of March 
31 ulto. giving the information that you had ordered Lt. Holliday to report to 
this place — with Chacon and the other Apache Indians brought from his expe- 
dition to Manzana — also with the Man Anderson. 

Lt. Holliday arrived on the 2d. inst with the party he had in Charge. 
Governor Calhoun has made a treaty of peace with Chacon Chief of the 
Jacarillas and Lobo Chief of the Muscaleros — Chacon I beleive has been made — 
if he is not — Chief of all the Apaches east of the Rio Grande and promises in 
good faith to keep or to do all in his power to keep on terms of amity and 
friendship with the people of this Country. 

Anderson is now in close confinement in the Guard House here — securely 
Ironed. 

Respectfully L McLaws 

Lt 7 Infy d A A A Genl 
Maj M. S. Howe 

Comdg. 

Alhurquerque 

»A. G. O., Old Book, No. 4, p. 75. See also Conrad to Stuart. May 9. 1851 O. L A., 
Files, Treaties, &c., W659. 

» A. G. O.. Old Book, No. 4, p. 77. 



318 COKEESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

[McLAWS TO CHAPMAN.i] 

Hd Qrs. 9 Mil: Dept. 

Santa Fe New Mexico 

April 18, 1851. 
Sib, 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receii)t of your communication of the 
15th giving information that one party of Apache Indians under Questos Agulos 
were at Las Valles and another had been in La Cuesta and asliing how you are 
to treat those Indians whether as friends or enemies 

Col. Munroe consulted with Governor Calhoun on the subject and the Gov- 
ernor has written a Letter to Mr. Latz to visit those Indians, ascertain their 
object in coming Into the settlements and make inquiries relative to some other 
points — The Letter will be handed to you & if Mr Latz cannot be found you 

no 
are requested to obtain some other person to act in his place or if a»y thing 
interferes to go yourself and make inquiries relative to the Intentions of the 
Indians 

A Treaty has been made by the Governor and Col. Munroe with the Chiefs 
representing the Apache Indians East of the Rio Grande; by an Article of that 
Treaty the Apaches promise not to come within fifty miles of the settlements — 
But unless in your opinion circumstances render it advisable you will not now 
enforce that agreement but will give this Party notice to leave the Settlements 
at once or within a short stated time, & in the event of a uon compliance tfea* 
treat them as enemies 
Respectfully 

Your obt. Servt. L. McLaws 

Lt 7 Infy d A A A Genl 
Lt. Chapman 

San Miguel 

N. Mexico 

P. S. As definite Instructions as to the Indian Tiibes in and around New 
Mexico are expected to arrive from Washington by this mail, which in all prob- 
ability will arrive within ten days, the above instructions are so far modified that 
you will not come into collision with them unless their conduct is such as to 
require military Interference. 

Respectfully Tour obt. Servt . 

L McLaws AAA Oenl 
Lt. Chapman 

San Migeul 

I McLAWS TO ALEXANDER.^] 

Hd. Qrs : 9 Mil : Dept. 
Sanin Fe N. Mex. Apl 25. 51. 
Colonel. 

I have the ht)nor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 
22d enclosing a report of Lieut. Chapman in relation to Indians within the 
settlements of San Miguel county, also a Letter from the Prefect Mr. Grolman 
asking assistance of the Troops under your command to remove the Indians, 
also a note from Mr. Doyle relative to some depredations committed on his 
Cattle. 

1 A. G. 0., Old Book, No. 4, p. 95. 
•Ibid, pp. 108-109. 



I 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 319 

Gi X 1 Qimi or II lie c ouiCi not ctt? louiici to Bwtftiii BOiw ^ Gt ii^f Bti I't'ftD i^ — person to 

nOv 111 "Ills piHOC--OF"'iI"~xiOtniH^"'"iilrCFit reel ' tO'~^G — fiimsGii — flD<,l~~iTiftKC OIlC(U.inC0 rCift" 

tivc to the intcntiona of the Indiano no re p ort has yet been rc e^ ivcd on the 
rafejeefr 

eSee r with a -p arty of Drago ea a and br ifig-4e4e-thi&-piae€-a a many ei 

Colonel Munroe, on consultation with Governor Calhoun now directs that you 
send an officer (Lieut. Chapman) with at least twenty five rank & file to have 
a conference with those Indians and impress on them the conditions of the 
Treaty lately made at this place between Chiefs of their Tribe representing 
their Nation and the U. S. represented by Governor Calhoun and Col. Munroe, 
and inform them that they must leave and remain fifty miles beyond all settle- 
ments — that being an Article of the Treaty — and If they show no disposition 
to move and do not move they must be taken prisoners and sent to this place 

It is not desired at this time to press these Indians, the ofBcer therefore who 
is sent to execute the above instructions must exercise a sound discretion based 
on his own observation as to the propriety of carrying them into effect 

If they desire any of their principal men to come to this place and confer with 
the Governor you will direct a safe conduct to be given them, a small Escort, 
and inform the remaining portion that they can remain in their present position 
until the deputation returns to them 

Respectfully 

Your obt. Servt. 

L McLaws 
Lt 7 Infy d A A A Gent 

Col : E. B. AXEXANDEB 

Commanding 

Las Vegas 

[munroe to JONES ^] 

Hd. Qrs. 9 Mil. Dept. 
Santa Fe New Mexico 

April 28, 1S51. 

Sir. 

On the 3d. Instant I transmitted through you for the Secretary of War one of 
tlie Triplicates of a Treaty entered into that day — Governor Calhoun & myself 
signed on the Part of the United States and certain Apache chiefs for their 
Nation — An Express waiting for that Treaty had to be dispatched immediately 
on its completion to overtake the mail — in consequence of which I had not time 
to give explanations which I was desirous of making that the Department might 
understand the limited value to be attached to it 

Lobo a Jicarillo, and Jose Cito a Muscallero chief accompanied by a few War- 
riors presented themselves here & represented that each for the section of 
Apaches to which he belonged, was authorised to treat — In consequence of 
which the Treaty as signed was prepared, Chacon a Jicarillo chief arrived soon 
afterwards. — At the council held with the View of completing the Business it 
was stated by Chacon that the Mescaleros Jose Cito who was at the Head of 
about Twenty Lodges had joined his Band and that the Mescaleros were not 
represented 

It was however deemed advisable to receive the signatures of those present 



A. G. O., Old Book. No. 4, pp. 107-108. 



320 CORRESPONDENCE OP JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

A Paper which subsequently came into my possession, A copy of which is 
enclosed will show the Material purpose of those Indians in entering into ne- 

i€i ocdi "Cii^&^cci ■ 111 ■ iiic^iii ■' X rtiiiic ft 11 til tHcrS' is strong ^i^^qu. mp tioit 

"llilQ DCCIl—ftSSOCltllCQ Willi tllCill' iXl ' 90mC~0I '■■Tll€ir~"fttrOCili€9""ft^ft}fi9l '111© 

p ersons - and property o l- our p eef^le — Anderson la in Civil Durc e s on a charge of 
nomicidc committed by him at th ie-plaee 
Very Respectfully 

Your obt. vServt. 

Sgd. John Munkoe 
Maj 2d. Arty Bvt. Col: USA 
Maj. Genl, R. Jones 
Adjt. Genl. U. S. A. 

Washington 

D.G. 
* Lieut. McLaws informs me that the original was sent to him by Lieut. Holli- 
oday, who stated that it was shown him by Anderson at the time he was cap- 
tured at Manzana with the remark that it was written to him by a Mr. W. S. 
Skinner — ^The person Anderson therein mentioned was closely affiliated with the 
Apache Indians — had been engaged in illegal Traffic and there is a strong pre- 
sumption that he had been associated with them in some of their atrocities 
against the persons and property of our citizens — he is now in Civil Duress on 
a charge of wilful murder committed by him at this place — See Lieut. HoUiday's 
report of a march made by a detachment under his command forwarded to your 
office with my letter of March 30th. — 

[cONRAD TO STUART.^] 
Stuaet, Hon. A. H. H. Wab Department 

Secretary of the Interior. Washington May 9' 1851 

Sib 

I have the honor to enclose herewith for your information and such action 
as you may deem proper, a dispatch from Brevet Colonel John Munroe, Com- 
manding the 9' Military Department, dated on the 2d ultimo at Santa Fe', New 
Mexico, transmitting a treaty entered into on that day by himself and Gov- 
ernor Calhoun on the part of the United States with certain Apache Chiefs 
representing the Apaches residing East of the Rio Grande. 
Very respectfully, Your Obt Servt 

C M Conrad 
Secretary of War- 
[LIVINGSTON TO CALHOUN.^"] 

Office of the U. S. Law Magazine 

54 Wall St. New York 

April 4th 1861 
Dear Sir, 

I take the liberty of sending, herewith, the Law Magazine, which I 
hope you will do me the favor to accept, and hereafter the Work shall 
be forwarded to your address free of expense. It has a large and 
increasing subscription list in the Territory over which you preside; 
and my design is, to conduct the journal in such a way as to make it 
still more worthy of support by the great body of the profession, not 
only in New Mexico, but throughout the Union. 

1 a. G. O., M. B.. No. 31, p. 224. 

•O. I. A., New Mexico Supy, Miscellaneous Files, 1851. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 321 

There is a favor I desire from your Excellency and before asking 
which I beg leave to say that no offence will be taken though it shall 
be withheld; — if granted, I shall certainly be much pleased and will 
endeavor to reciprocate the kindness; — if desired^ I shall be no less 
your friend, and have only to ask pardon for troubling you with my 
application. 

I ask the appointment of Commissioner resident in New York, to 
take Acknowledgments, &c. for the Territory of New Mexico. This 
office might seem, and indeed would be a matter but of small conse- 
quence to almost any other person : but located as I am, at the central 
point of the business portion of the city, and being Commissioner for 
every State and Territory, except the Territory of New Mexico, the 
appointment would be valuable; and it would be received with pleas- 
ure, not so much on account of what it might be worth, as from the 
fact that it would add to my list the last Territory. I think, more- 
over, that my appointment would be a great convenience to the busi- 
ness public in New Mexico, as well as in New York, for I am probably 
more generally known by the legal j^rofession in your Territory, than 
any other person residing in this city. 

Hoping, therefore, that this matter will receive your favorable 
consideration, 
I am. 

Your Friend, 

and Obedient Servant, 

John I^tvinoston. 

[LEA TO CALHOUN,'] 

Department of the I^lTERIOR, 

Office of Indian Affairs, 

Apr?l 5. 1851 
Calhoun His Excy J, S. 

Santa Fe 

New Mexico 
Sir: 

Pursuant to the provisions of the Act ^ making appropriations 
for the service of the Ind. Dept. approved 27 February, 1851, Rich H 
Weightman, Abm R Woolley, John Greiner & Ed. H Wingfield, have 
been appointed Agents for the Indians in New Mexico. 

They have been directed to report to you for such instructions as 
may be necessary for their government; and you will, therefore, 
assign them to such positions within the territory, and to the per- 
formance of such duties as may in your judgment, seem best cal- 
culated to promote the public interest. 

1 O. I. a., L. B.. No. 44, p. 290. 

2 9 U. S. Stat, at !>., pp. 586-587. 

5021—15 21 



322 CORKESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. (JALHOUN. 

It is contidently hoped, that these ofHcers, though few, may, by an 
active & faithful discharge of the important duties committed to 
them, prove valuable & efficient aids in the administration of Indian 
affairs within your Superintendency. 

Very respectfully. Your Obt Servt 

L Lea 

Comr 

[MUNROE TO CALHOUN.'] 

Head Qrs. 9th Mily Dept. 

Santa Fe' N. M. 9th ^ AjMl, 1851. 
Sir 

Conceiving that the peculiar circumstances under which issues of 
subsistence stores and forage were made from the Military Supplies, 
for the use of the Indian Department to have ceased with the new 
organization of the Territory, it i§ proper that I give you notice 
of the change made in withdrawing the authority heretofore given 
for these issues. 

I am Respectfully 

Your very obdt Servant 

John Munroe 
Bt Col U. S. A. 

Gommig Dept. 
His Excellency Governor Calhoun 

SupeHntendent Indian Affairs 

Terry of New Mexico- 
Correct copy of the original letter 

D. V. Whiting 

[CALHOUN TO MUNROE.'] 

Executive Department 

Santa Fe New Mexico 

April 8th 1851. 
Sir 

The receipt of your communication of this morning is acknowl- 
edged, and I beg you, Sir, to beleive me, when I say, it is not my 
purpose to complain of the " withdrawing the authority heretofore 
given for these issues (subsistence stores and forage)" to the Indian 
Department, my sole object is to say, that if Indian supplies, gener- 
ally were proper for an Indian Agent, they are not less so to a 
Superintendent of Indian Affairs, who is charged witli all the duties 
of an Indian Agent, there being no other officer of the Indian De- 
partment within the limits of the Territory of New Mexico 

I have only to add, at this important moment, of our Indian rela- 
tions the " withdrawal " will operate, as I conceive, most injuriously 

1 Enclosed in Calhoun to Lea, April 29, 1851. Pound also, but under date of April 8th, 
in A. G. O., Old Book, No. 4. p. 80. 

2 The correct date Is April 8, 1851. See Munroe to Calhoun, April 9, 1851, p. 323. 
8 Enclosed in Calhoun to Lea, April 29, 1851. 



COEKESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 323 

to the public weal, as it destroys my influence with the Indians, by 
confining me to a locality where I can be but of little service, unless 
I can procure subsistence and forage, and unless I can send out 
Agents to enquire into and compromise difficulties that have annoyed 
you for some time past, and are now entirely for my disposition. 

Pardon me, I pray you, for addressing you this note, the subject 
is an important one, not only to me, but to a proper management of 
our Indian Affairs in this Territory, and at the earliest possible day 
I shall ask the advice and instructions of the appropriate Department. 
In the mean time, I beg leave to declare, that to the best of my now 
limited means, I shall continue to use my best efforts to quiet dis- 
orders, and to promote the happiness and prosperity of the people of 
New Mexico, in accordance with the customs and usages, under the 
laws of the United States in reference to our Indian Affairs. 
I have the honor to be 

Your Obdt Servant 

James S Calhoun 
Superintendent of Indian Affairs 
John Munkoe 

Brevt Col. U. S. A 

Commdg 9th Mil. Dept 

Correct copy of the original letter 

D. V. Whiting. 

[CALHOUN TO LEA.*] 

Indian Agency 
Santa Fe. New Mexico 

April 9. 1851. 
Sir, 

My engagements, heretofore, have precluded the possibility of for- 
warding, at an earlier day, my returns, as Indian Agent, for the 
fourth Quarter of the year, ending December the 31st 1850. They 
are enclosed with this communication, and show a balance due to me 
of three thousand and eleven dollars and twenty three cents. 

By the mail which will convey this to you, I trust I may be able to 
forward to you my returns, complete, as Indian Agent, at which time 
I shall have occasion to furnish you with explanatory remarks. 
I am, 

with great respect. 

Your obedient Servant 

Jambs S. Calhoun 

late Indian Agent 
Hon- L. Lea, 

ConrV' of Ind. Affs. 

Washington City 
D^ 

1 O. I. A., Santa F6 Agency, C 637. 



-324 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

[MUNROE TO CALHOUN.'] 

Head Quarters 9th. Mil : Dept : 

Santa Fe, N Mex'> Apl 9th. 1851. 
Sir, 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 
Bth in reply to mine of the same date (by mistake dated the 9th) on 
the subject of my withdrawing the authority heretofore given to the 
Commissary and Quarter-master Departments — to furnish the Indian 
Dept. with subsistence and forage from the Military supplies. 

That authority was given by me on my own responsibility and for 
"which I have yet to justify myself to higher authorities. It was 
given because I was aware that no appropriations had been made to 
supply the requirements of the Indian Depart, and Imew therefore 
from the necessity of the case that aid was required from a co-ordi- 
nate branch of the public service. 

But now the condition of things is changed — the appropriations 
for Indian affairs made by Congress during the first session of the 
Slst Congress, enables the Indian Department to support itself, fis- 
cally — without assistance from other Departments — and that assist- 
ance is withdrawn. 

In conclusion, I will remark in reply to the latter portion of your 
letter that it is my opinion that the Territory of New Mexico can 
supply such subsistence stores and fcrage, as may be required for the 
Indian Agency and for the Indians. 
KespectfuUy &c. 

(Sg) John Munroe 

Bt Col U. S. A. 

CommP Depart. 
His Ex Govr. Calhoun 

Supt. Indian A fairs 

Territory of New Mex^. 

[CALHOUN TO MUNROE.'] 

ExECUTi\TE Department 

Santa Fe' New Mexico 
^ April 10th 1851. 

Your note of yesterdays date, in reply to one from me of the 8th 
inst, has this moment been handed to me, and my purpose is to cor- 
rect an error into which you have unintentionally fallen. 

You assign as the reason for withdraAving the authority heretofore 
given, to furnish the Indian Department with subsistence and forage, 
that " the appropriations for Indian Affairs, made b}^ Congi-ess, dur- 
ing the 1st session of the 31st Congress, enables the Indian Depart- 
ment to support itself, fiscally. 

1 a. G. O., Old Book, No. 4, pp. 81-82 ; also enclosure of Calhoun to Lea, April 29, 1851. 

2 Enclosure of Calhoun to Lea, April 29, 1851. 



COKEESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 325 

In reference to this statement, I pray you, in respectful terms, to 
read the following extract from the Commissioner of Indian Affairs 
to this Department, dated January 22d 1851. received by the last 
mail, from the States. 

" Excepting the report of the Committee of Ways and Means, 
" recommending an appropriation for fulfilling treaties with the 
" Navajos of 9th September, and the Utahs of 30th December 1849^ 
" in accordance with my special estimate of $18,000 each, there has 
" been no action on the part of Congress, in reference to Indian, 
" Affairs in New Mexico. 

I enclose for your perusal, the entire letter, which will show yoUj, 
that the fiscal affairs of the Indian Department are precisely the same- 
as when authority was given to furnish this Department with sub- 
sistence and forage. 

It is to be presumed, that the 2d session of the 31st Congress, whicb 
recently adjourned, made the necessary appropriations for the De- 
partment of Indian Affairs but as yet, we know nothing of its prob- 
able action. 

I have the honor to be 

Very Respectfully 

Your Obedient Servant 



James S Calhoun 



John Munroe 

Brert Col U. S. A 

Commdg 9th Mil Dept. 

Santa Fe' 

N. M. 
Correct copy of the original letter 



D. V. Whiting 



[LEA TO CALHOUN.'] 

Department or the Interior, 

Office Indian Affairs, 

April 12. 1851 
CIalhoun His Excy James S 

Santa Fe 

Neio Mexico 
Sir 

The third Section of the "Act making appropriations for the cur- 
rent and contingent expenses of the Indian Department, and for 
fulfilling treaty stipulations with various Indian tribes, for the year 
ending June the thirtieth, one thousand eight hundred and fifty 
two", approved 27 February 1851, is in the following words, '"''And 
" he it further enacted.^ That hereafter all Indian treaties shall be 
" negotiated by such oflEicers and agents of the Indian Department, as 

J O. I. A., L. B., No. 44, pp. 304-305. 



326 COBEESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

" the President of the United States may designate for that purpose, 
" and no officer or agent so employed shall receive any additional 
"•' compensation for such service." 

The Governor of New Mexico, as Ex officio Superintendent of 
Indian Affairs, and the agents for the Indian tribes therein are des- 
ignated to negotiate treaties with the Indians in that territory ; and 
they are authorized, under your direction, to act either seperately or 
jointly, according to the exigencies of the service. 

I have been informed, that it is contemplated to increase the mili- 
tary force in New Mexico, with a view to the prosecution of hostili- 
ties against the Indians. In that event it will be necessary that one 
or more of the officers of this department shall accompany each de- 
tachment of troops sent against the Indians, so as to be in readiness 
to act in that capacity as occasion may require. 

What particular negotiations may be required, it is impossible for 
the office to foresee, nor can it give any specific directions on the sub- 
ject. Much must be left to the discretion of those to whom the busi- 
ness is immediately entrusted. It is proper, however, to state, that 
in reference to this matter, and all others pertaining to the conduct 
and management of Indian Affairs in New Mexico, the Government 
desires & expects that there shall be the utmost harmony & concert 
of action between the officers of the Army & of this department. I 
am advised by the Secretary of War, that instructions ^ to this end 
have been given to the officer in command of the Army in New 
Mexico, and I trust that nothing will be wanting on your part to 
give effect to the wishes of the Government in this important par- 
ticular. 

Very respectfully. Your Obt. Servt L Lea 

Gomr 
[Related Correspondence.] 

[CONRAD TO WEIGHTMAN ^J 

War Department 
Washington April Sd. 1851 
Weightman, R. H. Elsqr 

Washington 
Sir. 

Your letter of the 21 instant to this Department has been received. 

I cannot i*iippose it possible that Col. Munroe has violated the instructions 
to him contained in the letter addressed to him by this Department on the 10 of 
September last. It is more probable that your informant is mistaken, and that 
the acts which he considers as an exercise of " civil and political functions " 
were connecte<l with the military duties of that officer, or with the defence of 
the country. 

An order lui.s already been issued, relieving Colonel Munroe from the com- 
mand of the 9" Military Department, and the officer who will succeed him in 
that command will reach Santa Fe, as soon as any communication from the 



The letters on pp. 327 and .383 are in harmony with this idea. 
'A. G. O., M. B., No. 31, pp. 155-156. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES 3. CALHOUN. 327 

Department could reach that place. It is not deemed necessary therefore, to 
give any further instructions on this subject to Colonel Munroe, or to direct 
him to report to this Department in reference to the matters contained in your 
letter. 

If any distinct charges should be made against Colonel Munroe, and any 
specific acts of interference by him, with the civil and political affairs of New 
Mexico, subsequently to the receipt of the letter of the 10" September, are set 
forth, the matter will be fairly investigated. 

Very respectfully. Your Obt Serv C M Conrad 

{Secretary of War 
[cONRAD TO STANTON ^] 
Telegraph 

War Department 
Washington April 28 1851 
Stanton, Geueral Henry 

8t. Louis, 

Missouri 
Sir. 

Communicate to Colonel Sumner that he is authorized to afford protection 
to any civil officers of New Mexico, who may apply for it and who are willing 
to accompany his detachment. You are authorized to furnish each one of them 
transportation to the amount of one thousand pounds, if it can be done without 
inconvenience, and with a due regard to the wants of the detachment. 

C. M. Conrad 

Secretary of War 
[McLAWS TO ORAHAM.2] 

Hd. Qbs. 9 Mil: Dept. 

Santa Fe New Mexico 

April 28, 1851. 
Major, 

In reply to your communication of the 26th. enclosing for the information of 
the Colonel commanding a Copy of a Letter which you had just Written to 
Colonel Calhoun relative to the Navajoe Indians — The Views expressed in Col. 
Calhoun's Letter herewith enclo.'^ed will be your instructions relative to those 
Indians 
By order of Col. Munroe. 
Respectfully 

Your obt. Servt. 

T, McL.wvs 
Major L. P. Graham 7.7 7 Infy d- A A A Gnil 

Com/ind^p 
AlMqniu 

[CALHOUN TO . ] 

Executive Depart aieni 
Santa Fe New Mexico 

April 18. 1S.51. 
Sir: 

I understand there are a Band * of Apachas now in lodges within 
fifteen or twenty miles of Las Vegas in violation of the treaty, as you 

lA. G. O., M. B., No. 31, p. 197. 

2 A. G. O., Old Book, No. 4, p. 106. 

»B. I. A., M. L., AprU, 1851 ; also O. I. A., New Mexico Supy, W .S81. 

* See Munroe to .rones, Miiy .SI, 18.",]. 



328 COREESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

will remember, made with Chacon ^ and others a few days ago. It is 
important to ascertain their purposes, and for that reason, you are 
requested to proceed to their encampment at once, first conferring 
with, and conforming to Lieut. Chapman's views, and ascertain their 
numbers, designating warriors from others — their precise location — 
their avowed object, and what band they are. Also glean from them, 
if possible information concerning Mrs White's daughter and servant, 
and the whereabouts of Chacon and others. Give me all the news 
you can gather at the earliest possible moment. 
Very respectfully 



Correct copy of the original letter 



James S Calhoun 
D. V. Whiting 



[Belated Correspondence.] 
[munroe to jones.^] 

IIeau Quarters 5)th. Mil Dept. 

Santa F6, New Mex°. May 31, 1851. 

Letter oil file SiK. 
the Secretary Ou the 16tli of March hist, iufonnaiiou was received from the 
tory*^^ '^'''■'■^" prefect of San Miguel County— H. Grolman to the effect that a 
party of Apache Indians were within the limits of that County. 
Their presence gave some alarm to the inhabitants & the prefect 
wrote to the Governor reporting the fact and asking instructions 
as to the means to be employed to expel them. As parties of 
Indians belonging to that tribe have been within that section of 
County since that time, and as there has been a Good deal of Cor- 
respondence on the subject & as their continued presence has given 
rise to many conflicting reports, I have thought it but proper to 
forward you the following copies of Letters to show the instruc- 
tions I have given relative to them, and the action taken thereon 
by the ofl5cers and Troops engaged in Watching their movements. 
I have the honor therefore to enclose herewith 

P. 59. 1st. My letter to Colonel Alexander giving him information that 

a party of Apache Indians were in San Miguel Co. and instructions 
thereon. 

Letter «2. o. Letter from Col. Alexander, in reply to one from Dept. Head 

Quarters of the 15th. addressed to Col. Alexander, giving a full 
account of the number and disposition of the Indians and of their 
movements, and a copy of a paper signed by Governor Calhoun 
referred to by Lt. Chapman. 

Letter No. 3d. Letter from Lt. Chapman April 15th. Giving information 
that the Apache Indians were within San Miguel County and re- 
questing to be informed whether he should treat them as friends 
or as enemies. 



1 Chacon was anxious to keep true to the treaty. In evidence of this see letter from 
McLaws to Alexander, p. 330. 

«A. G. O.. Old Book, No. 4, pp. 157-160. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 



329 



4th. My reply (Apl. 18) to Lt. Chapmaus letter of the 15th— Page 95. 
the postcript to which was written by the express desire of Gov- 
ernor Calhoun for the reasons therein stated. 

5th. Letter from Col. Alexander (Apl. 22) enclosing a report Letter 10&. 
from Lt. Chapman relative to Apache Indians within the Settle- 
ments — One from the prefect Grolman on the same subject — and 
one from a Mr. Doyle relative to Depredations committed by some 
Indians which he supposed to be Apaches. In reference to the 
last, you are in addition to the letter of Col. Alexander, referred Letter from 
to the one from Captain Ewell, who was in Command at the i4^il' •'°^'"^^" 
Rayado. 

6th. My reply (Apl. 25th) to Col. Alexanders letter of the 22d. P. 123. 

7th. Letter from Col. Alexander (May 2) forwarding reports Letter 110. 
from Lt. Ward 3d. Infy. and Lt. Chapman relative to their inter- 
views with Chacon the head chief of the Apaches &c. 

8. Letter from Governor Calhoun (May 7) informing me that P. 119. 
after considering the subject, as to the proper disposition to be 
made of the Apaches then in Camp near San Miguel La Cuesta 
&c he had come to the conclusion that they should at once be 
placed under my exclusive authority as Commanding officer of this 
Department. 

9th. My letter to Col. Alexander May 8th. informing him of the P- 122. 
visit to this place of Chacon Chief of the Apaches. — his promise 
to remove from the Settlements by the 14th. and my determination 
on the subject. 

On the morning of the 14th. I left this place with Governor 
Calhoun for the pui*pose of visiting Anton Chico, the last town 
through which the Indians would pass, going Out of the Settle- 
ments. My object in Going was to meet the Indian Chiefs on the 
15th. as notice had been Sent to them that Governor Calhoun and 
myself would be there on that day. WE arrived, at the Specified 
time but found no Indians and was informed by Lt. Chapman who 
had been there for several days with his Company that no Apaches 
had been near the place, neither could he learn anything definite 
as to when they were. Accordingly I returned to this place. 
After my arrival the following communication was received from 
Col. Alexander 

10 (May) 26.) enclosing a report from Capt. Ewell relative to Letter 1 36. 
his visit to the Mora Town where he had seen and Conversed with 
Chacon and several Apache Chiefs. 

I have thus laid before you, all the correspondence which up to 
this date has taken place between Governor Calhoun and myself 
and the officers whose appointed duty has been to watch the move- 
ments of the Apache Indians, which I hope will show, that the 
Troops under my Command have been in readiness at all times 
to act as Occasion might require either as mediators, to promote 
peace, or as Defenders to protect the inhabitants and their 
property. 

You will observe that throughout I have acted, so far as peace 
measures are concerned, in accordance with the wishes of the 
Executive of this Territory, whose duty it is, as Governor and as 
Superintendent of Indian Affairs to judge what course should be 
pursued towards the Indians, so as to advance the interest of 



330 COREESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

the country and at the same time promote the welfare of the 
Indians. 
Pages 75 The " Treaty " to which allusion is made in the Correspondence 

enclosed was forwarded to you on the 2d. of Apl. last, concerning 
Letter 141. which, I beg leave to refer you to my letter of the 28" of the same 
month. 

With much respect, 

Your obd. Servt: 

(sd) John Muneoe, 

Major 2d. Arty. Brvt. Col. USA Commdg. 
Maj Genl. Jones, 

Adjt. Oenl. U. 8. A. 

Washington 
D. C 
A true copy 
L McLaws 

Lt 7 Infy 

A A A Genl 

[McLAWS TO ALEXANDER i] 

Hd. Qrs : 9 Mil. Dept. 

Santa Fe N. Mex : 

May, 8, 1851 

Oor.ONEL, 

Chacon Chief of the Jicarilla Apaches has been on a visit to this place holding 
consultation with Col : Calhoun and Col : Munroe as to the disposition to made 
of his people and of the rest of the Apaches now within the Settlements of San 
Miguel County — He has agreed so far as the Indians under his control are con- 
cerned to comply wnth that article of the Treaty lately made with him & others 
on the part of the Apaches which requires them to keep fifty miles beyond the 
Settlements and will commence his movements so as to be at Anton Chico by 
the 14 Instant It has been determined that this movement must be made by 
all the Apaches now within the Settlements whether under Chacon's control 
or not and at the same time. To enable you to force it if force is required 
the following Dragoon Companies have been or will be ordered into position 
and will act under your instructions viz 

Capt Ewell's Compy 1st Drags: to Las Vegas 
Capt. Ker's Compy 2d Drags : to San Miguel 
and you will direct All the disposable Force of Companies '" F " & " K '" 1st 
Dragoons now under your command to move from Las Vegas so as to be at 
Anton Chico on the 13th. 

If the above mentioned companies are in their above assigned positions by 
the 16th you will give the necessary instructions so that the Indians commence 
their movements from the settlements 

Mr. Lutz will be delegated by Govr. Calhoun to visit the different Bands & 
inform them that they will be required to move with Chacon & at the same 
time the limit for commencing the movement being the 16 — after that time they 
must be forced out 

Chacon has promise<3 to inform the Indians of the determination of the 
Government 

1 A. G. O., Old Book, No. 4, pp. 122-123. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 331 

It is not desired to come into colision witli the Indians if it can be avoided 
but they must move from tlie Settlements and if force is necessary to effect 
that object force must be employed. 

You will have fifty Fanegas of Corn thrown into Anton Chico by the 13 
Instant this Corn will be for distribution among such Bands of the Apaches 
as may be in a starving condition and will be distributed among the several 
Bands acording to their several necessities under the supervision of the Senior 
officer as may be in Anton Chico at the time the Indians arrive going on their 
outward move 

Chacon & his Special Band about 20 Lodges will receive from 12 to 15 
Fanegas 

Respectfully 

Your obt. Servt. 

L. McLaws 
Lt 1th Infy d A A A G 
Col: E. B. Alexander, 
Commdg 

Las Vegas. 

[DERBICK TO CALHOUN '] 

Department of State, 

Washington. April ^-5, 1851. 
To His Excellenc3^ 

James S. Calhoun, 

Governor of the Tei^ritory 

of New Mexico; Santa Fe. 
Sir: — The Honorable A. H. H. Stuart. Secretary of the Interior 
has referred to this Department that portion of your letter ^ to him 
of the 4th March ultimo, which relates to the proper mode of address- 
ing your communications and correspondence as Governor of New 
Mexico. 

The law of March 3, 1849, establishing the Dept. of the Interior 
does not prescribe as you suppose, any regulation in regard to this 
subject; nor is there anything in the Act of September 9, 1850, 
establishing a Territorial Government for New Mexico, which indi- 
cates the particular Executive Department to which the correspond- 
ence of the Governor is to be directed. 

In this absence of positive instruction, and especially in view of the 
fact that a precedent is established by the custom of the Executives 
of other Territories, your correspondence as Governor may, until 
other instructions are given, be directed to this Department. 
I have, &c., 

W. S. Derrick, 
Act. Sec. of State. 

1 B. I. a., D. L., vol 39, pp. 46^7. 

- Not on file and not registered in Indian Office. It was very probably retained in the 
office of the Secretary of the Interior. 



332 COREESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

[CALHOUN TO CLAYTON^] 

Executive Department 
Sante Fe'. New Mexico 

April 27, 1851. 
Sir 

By the March mail, I received your letter of the 12th of December 
last, enclosing " a statement of differences arising on settlement of 
accounts of James S Calhoun, Indian Agent, Santa Fe', 4th quarter 
1849, and 1st quarter 1850. 

The first item suspended is $943.29. The enclosed original bills 
and receipts will show how the suspended amount was created. With 
the exception of voucher No. IT. $94.00 which was expended between 
Columbus, Geo. and Fort Leavenworth, the entire sum was expended 
in procuring an outfit, without which it would have been impossible 
to have crossed the plains. The records of the Quarter Master's, 
Commissary's and Ordinance Officers, for the month of April 1849, 
will show that it was intended to afford transportation and subsis- 
tence to my party from St Louis to Santa Fe'. The transportation 
was afforded, but the subsistence paid for by persons accompanying 
me, for all but my immediate family, and that subsistence account I 
paid, in my official capacity, and is included in this suspended item. 
On the 17th of April 1849, from Chattanooga, Tennessee, I addressed 
a letter to the Quarter Master General, giving him an account of the 
number of my family with me, and other persons of the party — asking 
for two A?nh>dances " for myself and daughters &c ", to which I 
received in reply at St. Louis, that " the Quartermaster at St Louis, 
was directed some time since to furnish you with such means of trans- 
portation as we may have on hand." there being no ambulance on 
hand I was compelled to purchase one, and the amount paid for it 
is also included in the suspended item. I hold it yet as public prop- 
erty, and can sell it at any moment for what it cost. Unless I have 
some such vehicle in which to transport my bedding, subsistence and 
cooking utensils, it would have been impossible for me to have dis- 
charged m}^ duties. 

Before I left Washington City in March 1849, Col. Medill com- 
missioner of Indian Aft'airs, required from me, a memorandum of 
the number of my family, which I gave to him. This fact was made 
known to the Secretary of the Interior, from Chattanooga on the 
I7th of April 1849 / beg you to ask the Defortment for a copy of 
that letter for it will throw much light upon the subject. Every- 
thing I required was furnished, except the Ambulances, and the 
rations which I was permitted to purchase of the Commissary at 

1 O. I. a., New Mexico Supy, C 642, No. 2. 



CORKESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 333 

Fort Leavenworth, such as I desired, at Government prices. This 
payment of rations was placed upon the ground, that my letter of 
instructions from the Department, dated April 7th 1849 showed that 
fifteen hundred dollars had been placed in my hands for the purpose 
of paying my travelling expenses, and for other purposes. I desire 
you to cause to be examined said instructions. 

The next item suspended is $110.00 for a wagon, which was abso- 
lutely necessary to furnish wood and water, not only for my own use, 
but also for the Indians who came to see me on business, in vast 
numbers; other remarks that might be appropriate in reference to 
the wagon, I omit, for the present as I have sold the wagon, and 
crpdited the Government with the $110.00 

The third item is $90.00. Without these mules, I could not have 
visited the various Pueblos, which the quiet of the Territory re- 
quired. The mules were as necessary as the ambulance.^ and either 
would have been useless without the other. 

The fourth suspended item is for Corn, $33.75, which was used 
to feed Government animals, and for the animals of Indians, visiting 
the Agency on business 

The fifth item is $10.87, and the articles were required to secure 
the public animals and the animals of Indians visiting the Agency 
on business 

The sixth suspended amount is $175.00, like some other of the 
accounts, this was not authorized by instructions, for it was a con- 
tingency not anticipated, and was absolutely necessary; not only to 
enable me to visit the various points where duty called me, but also 
to guard and protect the public property in my possession. Without 
such protection, you could not retain in this Territorj^, either public 
or private property in your possession forty eight hours. This 
account was forwarded to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs on 
the 1st of March 1850, near fourteen months ago, without any notice 
from the Department that such a charge was inadmissible, conse- 
quently^, I have continued the Teamster and Hostler, in service, for, 
to have dispensed with him, the mules and ambulance would have 
rendered me wholly useless as the Department's Indian Agent. My 
letter enclosing Abstract of disbursements and Account Current, in 
which the foregoing items appear, is No. 44, to the Commissioner of 
Indian Affairs, which I ask you to have examined. On the 30th of 
March 1850, in a letter to the Commissioner I again advert to the 
subject, in terms that could not have been misapprehended, and if 
such charges were not to be tolerated, ought I not to have been in- 
formed of the fact ? The truth is, the Department saw the absolute 
necessity of my assuming the responsibility of incurring such charges, 
or I would have been advised to the contrary. Will you examine 



334 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

said letter No. 51 ? on other occasions I have called the attention of 
the Department to the necessity of my assuming authority not pro- 
vided for in m}' instructions, and the public tranquility required 
me to continue to do so. until I v^^as otherwise instructed, and I have 
received nothing in reply, but what was commendatory of my 
conduct. 

The last item suspended is my compensation as Agent $287.77. 
There is quite a mistake in the remarks made in reference to this 
item Mr Calhoun must say, to the best of his knowledge and beleif 
he never before heard of Mr Miller, and knew nothing concerning 
his discontinuance. The language of my instructions are in these 
words, in reference to my salary " to commence as soon after the 
•' execution of your bond as a notification can reach the jMrson now 
" holding the appointment " &c " as you will doubtless avail your- 
self of the Military Escort which will leave St Louis " shortly " &c. 
On the day my bond was executed, the 14th or 15th of April 1849, 
I left home for St Louis, and left Fort Leavenworth for Santa Fe on 
the 16th of May, and arrived at Santa Fe on the 22d of July 1849, 
and was compelled to remain in camp until the 4th of August, before 
I could procure a house, and was in camp again, on the 16th of the 
same month, with Col° Washington on his Navajo expedition, and 
returned to Santa Fe, on the 23d Sept''" 1849, see the instructions 
dated April 7th 1849. I pray you, tell me if it required more than 
two months to give the person notice of the " discontinuance of his 
services " &c. But upon this subject equal and exact justice should 
be rendered alike to all. I perceive that Anson Dart Esq, Superin- 
tendent of Indian Affairs. Oregon Territory, executed his bond, on 
the 1st day of July 1850, and on the 20th of the same month, the 
Hon L. Lea, Commissioner of Indian Affairs advised Mr. Dart, that 
his bond had been received and approved, and that his " salary com- 
menced on the 1st inst, the day of its execution." Is there a solitary 
reason why I should not have the same liberality extended to me? 
Here I have been, for nearly two years, without the guidance of 
law, or special instructions, groping my way in the dark, under 
most adverse and critical circumstances 

Suspended iUms in 1st quarter 1850. 

1st item $35.00 for a mule which I was compelled to purchase, in 
order to send an Agent to San Miguel and other places, on business 
of the Agency which I deemed of the utmost importance. This 
animal, however, died in a short time, while being used in the public 
service, which will appear in my property return, so soon as I can 
prepare it. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 335- 

2d item. Provisions $14.37. As the Department was advised at the 
time, in my No 31, I was called to the Taos Pueblo, in January 1850, 
and was out in a continuous snow storm, seven days, with a Military 
Escort. I was compelled to have with me a guide and additional ser- 
vants, and the provisions were used by them and the Taos Indians 
who came to my quarters. 

3d and 4th items, Were for Goods, bought and given as presents, 
to the Indians visiting the Agency St Vrain and McCarty had two 
stores at the time and Messrs S. Waters and Wm H. Mitchell were 
clerks, and the enclosed certificate is the only evidence I can now 
produce of their authority to receipt. St Vrain is absent and Mc- 
Carty dead. 

5th, item for a mule $80.00. Without this mule, or some other ani- 
mal, I could not have fully discharged my duty as Indian Agent. 
The Department knows, that I have been constantly either in person 
or by an Agent, on the wing; and it is also known, there were hn- 
perative reasons for it. 

6th item. Repairs $36.87. This was an account for repairing public 
wagon, and shoeing public animals, property of the United States, 
and were necessary to enable me to do my duty. 

7th item. Paid to Genl Choice $264.53. The services rendered by 
Genl Choice are well known to the Department, previous to the 9th 
of Dec. 1849 he had been assisting me in the discharge of my duties, 
on that day he was appointed a Commissioner to be assosiated with 
Col. May of the U. S. A to negotiate a treaty with the Apache 
Indians, at Socorro. My letters nos 29 & 34 to the Commissioner of 
Indians Affairs, explained to the Department how it happened that 
Genl Choice was in the public service. Look at these letters. I 
could not visit Socorro at that time, because of pressing engagements 
in Santa Fe, and an obligation existing to meet the Utahs, at Abiquin, 
before the close of the month. This latter duty I discharged, and on 
the 30th of Dec. 1849, made a treaty with them, which has been 
ratified. In reply to my No 34, the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, 
under date of April 24th 1850, speaking of the treaties with the 
Nuvajos and Utahs said " it is to be regretted that the attempt with 
respect to the Apaches, failed " Remember, it was the one attempted 
by Genl Choice and Capt May. I have now to request you, to examine 
my letter to the Department, dated Jany 31st 1850. Genl Choice was 
proposed by me and approved by Col. Munroe, as an Agent for the 
Utah Indians, and continued to discharge the duties of Indian Agent, 
for the Utahs, until the 14th of September 1850 with no other com- 
pensation than the advances made to him and charged on my returns 
for the 1st. 2d & 3d quarters of 1850 amounting to $388.78. I beg you 
to examine my letter No 81 dated September 30th 1850 announcing 



336 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

to the Department, his death. If ever a man was entitled to compen- 
sation for services, it was Genl Choice, and I ought to receive and pay 
to his heirs, a just and liberal compensation for his services, instead 
of having the amounts advanced, stopped against me. If. however, 
the Government should come to the conclusion, that he was not, while 
living, entitled to compensation, then I must submit to the loss of 
the advances which I made to him 

8th item. Amount paid Teamster &c $105.00 I have only to refer 
you, to my explanation in reference to voucher 10 4th quarter 1849, 
No. 6 of the suspended items of that quarter. All or none, ought 
to be allowed, and this remark applies to similar, subsequent charges, 
as well as those now being under examination 

9th item. $131.25. This corn was used in feeding public animals 
in the service of the Santa Fe Indian Agency, and animals belonging 
to Indians, visiting the Agency on business 

10th item $500. This amount is in the same Category with item 
No 6, of the quarter under consideration 

I am not inclined to say another word in reference to the sus- 
pended items. But to show you the liberality extended to others, 
I call your attention to certain instructions issued from the Depart- 
ment of the Interior, Office Indian Affairs, October 15th 1850 to 
Todd, Campbell and Temple near the close of the instructions you 
will find what follows. 

" You will find it necessarj^ to procure an outfit of tents, camp uten- 
" sils, horses for yourself and party &c, &c, and to employ such per- 
"sons as you may require as Guards, Hunters &c. These you will 
"provide, in your discretion, to be charged to the appropriation 
"in your hands." Look, also, at the second paragraph in said in- 
structions, which gives pay and travelling expenses from the resi- 
dences of the appointees. Am I entitled to less than others? Ask 
the Department of the Interior. 

Do not suppose that I am ignorant of the fact, that the law is 
your guide in Auditing Accounts. There are vested in the De- 
partments, occasionally, discretions, which I suppose Auditing offi- 
cers are authorized to respect, and, as I desire that this explanatory 
statement may go before the Department of the Interior, I have 
ventured remarks, that would have been otherwise omitted 

In conclusion, I have to say, I can make no other explanations, 
my great anxiety is, to have closed the Returns I have made to you. 
I beg you not to postpone the final auditing of the Returns, to en- 
able me to make further explanations. ^Vliat I have charged, I know 
to be just. But if you cannot allow them, discard them at once^ and 
allow me to know the result. I do not know when I am to die, and 
I would prefer absolute and unqualified injustice, while living, rather 



COERESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 337 

than to have suspended accounts against me, in death. I again beg 
you let the result be what it may, adjust and settle my Returns. 
I have the honor to be 

Your Obedient Servant 

James S. Calhoun 
copy of the original 
D. V. Whiting 
Hon P. Clayton 

2d Auditor' 

Washington City 

D. C. 

[CALHOUN TO LEA.M 

NoS. 

Executive Department 

Santa Fe New Mexico 

April 29. 1851. 
Sir 

Referring to my letter No 89. dated December 10 1850 will remind 
you, in reference to the Subsistence account, analyzed, and enclosed 
with that number, I stated " a portion of the amount is legitimately 
chargeable to my personal account, which shall be done". If I am 
placed on the same footing with the army officers in this Territory 
then the amount is $140.28 If the transportation discrimination is 
enforced, then the amount should be $377.25. (see No 1) 

I have to repeat my prayer to the 2d Auditor, of the 27th inst. 
Let my accounts be adjusted and settled. The suspended items, 
which you will better understand by referring to No. 2, also enclosed, 
annoys me exceedingly, I desire the Government to be just and 
liberal with me, but I am infinitely more concerned that my accounts 
should be closed before T die, and. God only knows when that event 
may happen. 

Also, accompanying, you will find my Returns made up to, and in- 
cluding the 28th day of February 1851, showing an amount due me 
of $1181.77. You will observe that I have credited contingencies 
with the $500.00 (five hundred Dollars) drawn upon the appropria- 
tion to pay for the recovery of Mr & Mrs J M Wliite's child. If 
you desire a seperate and distinct account for my expedentures, under 
this appropriation, authorized by you, it can easily be prepared. 

My condition is a more unsatisfactory one, at this time, than at any 
former period since I have been in the Territory. I am without the 
slightest advice as to the purposes of the Government in reference to 



1 O. T. A., Santa F« Agency, C 642. 
5021—15 22 



338 CORRESPOXDEXCE OF JAMES S, CALHOUN. 

the Indians in this Territory, and I know nothing of the means, pro- 
vided by Congress, for their management. Do you not perceive, I am 
challenging consequences that may endanger the good repute, which, 
I trust, I have heretofore sustained? I am daily assuming respon- 
sibilities that will bring me into discredit, if not sustained by the 
Department. I ask that this matter may be duly considered. 

Heretofore the Quarter Master's and Commissary's offices in Santa 
Fe sustained me, but they are now withdrawn. Read the accompany- 
ing correspondence No. 3. 

I have noAv to pay for wheat from $(').00 to 8.00 tlie fanega about 
$3.00 per bushell, corn from $8.00 to $10.00 a fanega about $4.00 a 
bushell and I am obliged to feed, not only the public animals, which 
are absolutely necessary to enable me to discharge the Indian duties 
with which I am charged but also, the animals of Indians coming to 
this Superintendency on business. I have now before me, an account 
of some purchases made, for my account, since the withdrawal of the 
Authority to purchase from the Commissary's office. Star Candles, 
60 c pr lb. crushed sugar 35 c. Hams 35 c &c. I can get no beef now 
for the Indians, and it is very difficult to procure sheep, and on one 
occasion I was compelled to pay, as I thought from 20 to 25c a pound 
for some poor venison for Indian use. 

This matter can be remedied to some extent, if the authority and 
means are afforded. Upon this subject, I ask for instructions 

This accompanying correspondence ^ with Col. Munroe, will show 
our respective views concerning the withdrawal of permission to me 
to purchase Commissary stores 

In reply to Col. Munroe's closing remark in his second letter, I 
have to say, that " the Territory of New Mexico can supply such 
subsistence stores and forage as may be required for the Indian 
Agency, and the Indians " But it requires time and means, and I 
have neither. For my own use, I do not like to be confined to the 
products of the Territory, and I certainly have not time to send to 
the States for the eommon necessaries of life. So far as Beef, Mutton 
and flour are concerned, for Indian use, that may be obtained if 
looked for in time. But neither Beef or Mutton can be had near this 
place, The Commissary has it all. So too, with corn it is all in the 
Quarter Masters hands, or in those of the Contractors. To avoid the 
embarrasments to which I am subjected, there should be means to 
provide supplies in time. 

The Indians (Pueblos) are moody when they come to the Agency, 
if you do not give them Sugar, Coffee and Whiskey. The market 
retail price for Sugar and Coffee, 50c pr lb. each and Whiskey $3.50 
pr Gallon. I have been as economical as possible in my supplies to 
Indians 

1 See pp. :{L'2-H24. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 339 

It was with the gi'eatest rehictance that I gave them Whiskey. 
There are several Distilleries in the Territoiy which supplies them 
with ardent Spirits in exchange for their grain In addition to 
which, unless I gave it to them at the Agency, they would roam 
through Santa Fe, until they could find a small Grocery that would 
indulge them. Thefts and bloody contests ensued, and I found it 
would be a matter of economy to give them a little at the Agency, 
and cause them to be watched until they were beyond the limits of 
the town. If Congress has passed laws sufficiently stringent, this 
pernicious practice may be abandoned, but Sugar and coffee must be 
given to them in small quantities, for a year or two, or at the short- 
est period, until they are properly organized under the laws, and 
trading posts established, where they may exchange their products 
for such articles as they may desire. Whiskey excepted This would 
induce them to increase the quantity of grain they now sow, which 
would rapidly advance them in the scale of civilization. 

In conclusion, for reasons assigned in my explanations to the 2d 
Auditor, herewith accompanying, I pray you again, to have my 
accounts, as Indian Agent, adjusted and closed. 
I am 

With great respect 

Your Obedt Servant. 

James S. Calhoun. 
Hon. L. Lea 

Co7nmissioner of Indian Affairs 

Washington City 

D. C. 

Ref d to T. R. C. 14 Aug 1851 

[TULLIS TO CALHOUN.'] 

To His Excellency James S. Calhoun 

Governor of the Territory of New Mexico — Ex. officio 

Superintendent of Indian Affairs 

I have the honor to inform you, that on the Sixth day of April 
1851, I met. by appointment, the authorized agents of the Pueblos of 
Laguna and Acoma, Consisting of the Governors Alcaldes and 
Cacique, and many other subordinate officers. 

After examining each and all of their claims, I deferred giving my 
decision until the twelfth day of April, during which interval I pro- 
posed to examine the lands, without the presence of the Pueblos, and 
to collect all the information that could be obtained, in the neighbor- 
hood relative to the controversy. 

^ O. I. A., Santa Fe Agency, C 64.3, accompanying No. 4. 



340 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

I learned that several times, the claims of the respective parties 
had been referred to the Mexican authorities (prior to the occupa- 
tion of the country by the United States Government) and decisions 
had been given. 

On the twelfth day of April, I met the agents of both the Pueblos, 
at Laguna, and informed them that I had altered the late line of 
boundary between them (run by Mr H. L. Dodge) which made a 
creek, running through the lands in dispute, the dividing mark. 

The lands lie between two ranges of mountains, and the creek, for 
many miles, runs close to the base of the mountains, on the side given 
to the Lagunas, and this it was had given rise to the dissatisfaction. 

I further informed them that I had made a line running at right 
angles with the creek, making a mountain spur and a large rock the 
terminating points, thus giving to the Acomas a portion of the dis- 
puted Territory, adjoining the lands acknowledged to belong to them, 
reserving to the Lagunas the privilege of harvesting some feilds 
which they had planted, but which by my decision were included 
within the tract assigned to the Acomas. 

With this decision the Acomas expressed themselves satisfied ; and 
likewise the Lagimas with the exception of the Governor, who was 
depossesed, by this arrangement, of a few acres cultivated by him. 

Further, according to the instructions of Your Excellency, I ex- 
amined the case in controversy between the Lagima Indians and the 
Mexicans living contiguous, relative to the northern boimdary of the 
former. 

From the configuration of the adjacent country, it was at the time 
mentioned, agreed between the parties, which agreement was sanc- 
tioned by the Spanish Government, (it seems that at the period of 
the first settlement, made by the Mexicans in that section of the 
country a ravine or caiion was the established boundary between 
them and the Pueblo) that the said canon although affording some 
lands capable of cultivation, should be left as an outlet through the 
mountains, through which to drive the Stock of the Mexicans and 
Pueblos to pasture. 

As time wore on, the Mexicans cultivated different little spots of 
land, and continued yearly to extend their cultivation to the serious 
injury and inconvenience of the Pueblos, notwithstanding the ex- 
postulations made against these encroachments. 

I also examined the matter in controversy between the friendly 
Navajos and Laguna Indians 

It appears that the Navajos have possesed and cultivated the 
lands on which they now live, for at least one hundred years; but 
never had held any Grant from the Mexican Government. A Laguna 
Indian at one time, having planted on a portion of these lands, the 



I 



COKRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 841 

whole Pueblo emboldened by this example, and knowing that the 
Navajos hold no written title have called in question the validity of 
the Claim of the Navajos to the lands occupied by them. 
Your Excellency's 

Most Obedient Servant. 

(signed) John K. Tulles.^ 

[CALHOUN TO LEA.'] 

No 4 

Executive Department 

Santa Fe. New Mexico 

May 1? 1851. 
Sir, 

On the 7th of last month Indians, supposed to be Apaches, made 
an attack upon a party of eight men, five Americans and three Mexi- 
cans, at a place known as the " Dead Man's Spring ", in the Tornado, 
north of Dohana. One of the Mexicans was killed, another wounded, 
and also an American — The Indians soon retreated, carrying several 
of their party off, evidently dead, or badly wounded. The number 
of Indians in the attack was fifteen, but others were seen some dis- 
tance off. Several depredations have been committed, during the 
month upon both sides of the Del Norte — About the 15th of April, 
Stock were driven off from near the Moro. Pursuit immediately en- 
sued by a party of Mexicans, who succeeded, on the second day, in 
discovering the Indians, in a body too numerous to be assaulted by the 
pursuing party — Indians unknown 

Quite a number of the Apaches with whom Ave made a treaty, are 
within fifteen miles of San Miguel and Las Vegas, and the people 
who reside near their Lodges^ are greatly alarmed, but as yet, we 
knoAv of no depredation they have committed — If there was an 
Agent among them, and authority was given to furnish them with 
corn and few other articles, these Indians would behave as well as 
others — If I had means, private or public, I would assume the re- 
sponsibility, as the only possible mode to prevent serious outbreaks — ■ 
But, Sir, you know I am impotent, so far as means are concerned, 
and I can not procure the assistance of reliable agents witliout the 
means of supporting them — All that I can do, shall be accomplished, 
and if possible, I will go out to the Apache camps on the 4th of this 
month. 

1 Name variously spelt. 

2 O. I. A., Santa F6 Agency, C 643. ; Annual Report, Commissioner of Indian Affairs, 
1851, p. 195. 

3 In the Annual Report of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs for 1851, this letter ap- 
pears under date of May 4 1851. It is registered as May 1, 1851 and so appears in the 
manuscript. 



342 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

The Comanches ^ are assembling, so I am informed by traders, near 
the " Bosque Redondo '", where they are to be in Council with the 
Apaches — An Agent should be there= 

The Utahs remain quiet, but they are upon \ery good terms with 
the N"avajos= 

The Navajos have^ or are removing from " Cheille '* to the Rio 
San Juan, and pitching their lodges upon both sides of the river — 
Upon the north side of the river, they must mix with the Utahs= 

We have information from Cebolletta and Abiquin, a deputation 
from these Indians desire to come in, and an opportunity is afforded 
to them — They have heard of an expedition being fitted out against 
them, which they desire to prevent. 

At no period since I have been in the Territory, has it been so easy 
a matter to manage the wild Indians, but this state of things can not 
continue many days without the necessary appliances. 

The Pueblo Indians are daily complaining of impositions prac- 
tised upon them, and I am sorely troubled at my inability to remedy 
their grievances. 

The accompanying copy of a report, will show the manner, in which 
I have adjusted a serious difficulty between the Pueblos of Acoma 
and Lagima. 

[I^^Tullis, the Agent, ought to be compensated for his services. 
I am. 

With great respect. 

Your obt. servt 

James S. Calhoun 

Hon. L. Lea, 

Washington City 

[Related Correspondence.] 

[McLAWS TO CHAPMAN.2] 

Hd. Qrs. 9 Mil. Dept. 

Santa Fe New Mexico 

May 30, 1851. 

SiK, 

The delegation of Comanches which arrived here (hiy before yesterday de- 
camped last night leaving behind their horses, mules, saddles &c. &c. leaving 
evidently under the impression that some harm would follow if they remained. 

It is highly desirable that such impression should be removed and therefore 
•Colonel Munroe directs that you send persons to endeavour to overtake the 
Indians and induce them to return to this place, receive their property & depart 
openly & as friends— or come to some point in the settlements and remain until 
their animals &c can be sent to them which the Governor will do so soon as 
information is received where they are or induce them to name some point 

1 Concerulng the disposition and the movements of the Comanches, see related corre- 
spondence. 

2 A. G. O., Old Book, No. 4, pp. 147-148. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 343 

beyond the settlements some convenient point where they will be at some desig- 
nated time and their property will be sent to them there 

As these Indians came here under a Safe Guard they should be informed that 
with us such is considered sacred and every effort made to remove from their 
minds any idea they may have formed or any information which may have been 
given to them by designing persons which led them to believe that it would be 
violated here 

With much respect 

Your obt. Servt. L Mc Laws 

1 Ltl Infy 
A A A Gen! 
Lt. O. Chapman 

Commd'ff 

Anton Chico. 

[McLAWS TO ALEXANDER.!] 

Head Quarters 9th. Mil Dept. 

Santa Fe\ N. M. May 30th. 1851. 
Col. 

Col. Munroe directs mo to inform you tli;il ;!t Delegation of Camauche In- 
dians — the party consisting of " Eagle Feathers ", the principal chief — five other 
men & five women — (one woman with a small child) came to this place day 
before yesterday, and yesterday had a talk with the Governor. Last night about 
1 o'clock they ran otf leaving behind, their Animals, briddles. &c &c which leads 
to the belief that they left with the impression that some evil consequences 
would follow if they remained. 

It is highly desirable that such an impression should be removed from their 
minds. You will therefor on the receipt of this send persons or parties, as you 
may think best, to endeavor to overtake the Indians, and try and induce them to 
return to this place and to receive their property and then depart openly and as 
friends — or, if they do not desire to return ask them if they will name some 
point within or without the settlements, where they will remain, or will be at 
a certain named time, where their property can be sent to tliem, which the 
Governor will do, so soon as it is known where they are. 

Let the Indians Itnow that they came here under a Safe Guard which is con- 
sidered sacred with us, and on no account would it first be violated with- tts 
on our part. 

Some evil disposed persons evidently conveyed some idea to the Indians as to 
what in their opinion would be our action towards them — which induced them to 
run away. Let you object be merely to remove that impression — employ no 
force against them — use persuasion alone. 

If they remain at Las Vegas until their property is received you will provide 
them with subsistence. 

You will communicate the above to Capt. Ewell & Lt. Whittlesey, 
lit. Chapman & Lt Pleasonton have been written to on the subject. 
With much respect 

li McLaws 

1 Lt 7 Infy 
A A A r.enl 
Lt. Col. E. B. Alexander 

Commanding 

Laft Vegas 



' A. G. O., Old Book, No. 4, pp. 148-149. 



344 CORKESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

[McLAWS TO PLEASANTON.i] 

Hd. Qes 9 Mil. Dept, 
Santa Fe N. Mex. May 30/51 
Sir, 

Col. Muuroe directs tliiit ou the receipt of tliis you send a detachment from 
your command to endea\our to overtalce a party of Comanches Indians who came 
to this place day before yesterday on a business trust to the Governor — They 
had a talk yesterday and ran off last night leaving their Horses, Mules, Arms 
&e. it is therefore supposed they were Induced to leave by some evil minded 
persons who induced them to believe that by remaining some evil consequences 
would follow 

The party consists of " Eagle Feathers " the principle chief, five other men, 
and six women one woman with a small child 

If the party is overtaken you will so direct that they be treated with all 
kindness and effort made to induce them to return in order that they may 
obtain their property and start from here openly and as friends 

If they do not wish to return tell them if they so desire that they are at 
liberty to remain at your Post or where you are until they receive their property 
which will be sent to them immediately 

If they desire to continue on to join their people after the above representa 
tlons are made to them inform them that they are at perfect liberty to do so 
and will not be molested by our people they came in as friends and must be 
allowed so to depart 

The only object now is to remove from their minds the impression which 
from the way of departing they seem to have that some act of oppression or 
Injustice was intended towards them here. 

If they will designate any point in or out of the Setlements where they will 
remain or will be present at any future time in order to receive their property 
the Governor will have it sent to them 
With much respect 

Your obt. Servt. 

L McLaws 
1 Lt 7 Infy 
AAA Qenl 
Lt. A. Pleasonton 

Comd'g C° E 2 drys 
Tucalote. 

[McLAWS TO CHAPMAN.2] 

Hd Qrs. 9 Mil: Dept. 
S'ANTA Fe New Mexico 

May 31, 1851. 
Sib, 

I enclose herewith a Letter from Governor Calhoun with an Inventory of 
the Property left behind by the Indians also copy of one from the Governor to 
Col. Munroe requesting that authority be given you to send a messenger to 
the Indians to Invite them to return to that place to receive their property 
and that you should cause the animals belonging to the Indians to be fed and 
the entire property well guarded— Colonel Munroe directs that you send a 
messenger to the Indiitus and cause their animals to be fed & their entire prop- 
erty well guarded according as the Governor has requested. 

1 A. G. O., Old Book, No. 4, pp. 146-147. 

2 Ibid., p. 153. 



COERESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 345 

The Expenses for doing which will be paid by yourself, the account kept 
separate and forwarded to this place in order that the amount shall be trans- 
ferred & repaid by the Indian Department 
With much respect 

Your obt Servt 

L McLawb 
Lt 7 Infy & A A A Genl 
Lt. Chapman 
Commdg 

Anton Chieo 

P. S. Since writing the foregoing, information has been received that one 
of the Indians has been seen on the road between this place & San Miguel and 
the persons who have charge of their property have been instructed to deliver 
it to them if they (the party) are met. Sergeant Hall has not charge of the 
property, he & party goes along merely as an Escort, he however has been in- 
structed to give you information if it is disposed of before reaching Anton Chlco. 
With much respect 

Your obt Servt L McLaws 

Lt 7 Infy & A A A Oenl 
P. S. You will report at your earliest convenience such instructions as you 
may have received direct from Dept. Hd Qrs to Col. Alexander with your action 
therein 

Respectfully L McLaws 

Lt 7 Infy & A A A Qenl 
Lt. Chapman 

Comdg. Anton Chico 



[munroe to jones.^] 



Head Quaeters 9th Mil. Dept. 
Santa F6, N. Mex° June 29, 51. 
Sib, 

I received information during the last month from various 
sources, that the Comanches, were collecting in large numbers at 
the Bosque Redondo, on the Rio Pecos, distant about one hun- 
dred and twenty miles from Las Vegas, — The object of the meet- 
ing was not known, but as it had been stated by the Apaches, 
both Jicarilla and Muscaleros, that they were to meet the 
Comanches at that place, to have a grand council, it became a 
matter of importance to gain some information as to their in- 
tentions. 

Governor Calhoun and myself coincided in our views on the 
subject, and accordingly when we were at Anton Chico together, 
May the 16 ulto. — the Governor granted a license to a Mr. Latz 
to trade with the Comanches and among other things desired 
him to say to them that he would be glad to see a delegation of 
their people at Santa Fe. 

Mr. Latz went to the Bosque Redondo and brought back with Lieut. Chap- 
him to Anton Chico a Comanche Chief, "Eagle Feathers," and ^^"^S^'aVcx- 
others of his tribe, with one captive, a Mexican boy, who desired ander 145 Page 
to have a talk with the Governor, and Lt. Chnpman 1st Dnigoons, Chapman"l47— 
whose company " F " was stationed there sent them to this place portVook?^ 

1 A. G. O., Old Book, No. 4, pp. 190-191, 



346 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN, 

with a small escort, where they arrived on the 28 ulto. see en- 
closed copy of a letter from Lt. Chapman, No. 1 

On the morning of the 29th the Governor and myself held a 
talk with them, in which, after professions of friendship had 
been made on both sides and they were made to understand that 
they were here as friends and thus in safety and at perfect 
liberty to I'eturn whenever they desired and would be escorted 
safely back — various propositions wei'e made to them in regard 
to preserving their peaceable relations with our people, and on 
other matters connected with their own welfare, to which they 
were desired to give full consideration, communicate to their 
tribe and answer at some future period. — they then retired to a 
room which the Governor had assigned them, aiiparently satisfied 
and contented. 

But during the night of that day. they, for reasons not then 

known — ran off, leaving behind their animals and other property. 

See letter of -^^ ^^ ^''^^ supposed afterwards ascertained to be true — see 

Lieut. C. to letter of I^t. Chapman, No. 2 that some evil disposed person had 
Col. Alexander ^ ^ , 

Page 11 Re- made malicious representations to the Indians, which induced 
port Book, them to run away — it was important that they should be over- 

taken and every persuasive metliod adopted to induce them to 
return, receive their property, and be undeceived as to their 
wrong imi)ressions, in order that they might not join their tribe, 
from^De'iot.^'^^ with the idea that any act of treachery was intended against 
Pl^asanton^"&f' ^^^^ ^^ ^he Authorities here — accordingly instructions to that 
Chapman and effect were sent to Col : Alexander Commanding Las Vegas 
andCT^'ptgel" (letter No. 8.) to Lt. Pleasanton Comdg Co "K 2 Drgs. at 
146, 147, 148, Tucalote and to Lt. Chapman at Anton Chico. 

Se letters '^'^ ^^^^ same day, it was determined to send the property left 
from Governor behind by the Indians to -Anton Chico in order that it might be 
Munroe" *& Lt! turned over to them if they were overtaken on the road, and 
151^Let°ei?^^'^*^^^^'^"^^^ ^^ receive it at any specified iioint in or (jut of the Set- 
Book & Letter tlements. 

^' ■ The accompanying copies of letters 3 & 4. will show the wishes 

142,^^ ^^^^^^' ^' of Governor Calhoun, on the subject and No 5. my orders in the 
case. 
.•<o>> ReDort •^'°- *^**- ^"^ ^ *-'^l'^ •^^' ^^- t'hapmaus report of his compliance with 
IN.ik page 20 instructions from Dept. Hd. Qrs. which were similar to those given 
t"rs from ^ to Col. Alexander (No 2) and with the wishes of the Governor, 
ma^n*^' *^''^''*^' No. 8. his further action uu the subject and No !J reporting that 

the property of the Indians had been restored to them — that they 
had returned the animals which tliey had taken on the road while 
going to the Bosque Redondo — and that the whole matter had been 
settled to the satisfaction of all parties. 
With much respect, 

(sd) John Munroe 

To BvT. Major Genl. Jones. 

Adj. Oenl. U. 8. A. 

Wafi]iington 
D. C. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 347 

[munroe to JONES.^] 

Head Quarters 9th. Mil: Dept. 

Santa F6, N M. July 13, 1S51. 
Sir, 

In my letter to you of the 29th. ulto. reporting my .letion and Page 190. 
that of the Troops under my command, towards aud concerning 
the Comanches, who had sent a Delegation of their tribe, from the 
Bosque Eedoudo, to confer with Governor Calhoun. I remarked 
in conclusion that " all the difficulties " that had occurred between 
those Indians and the people and such as had existed on account 
of their being mislead as to the intentions of the Americans 
towards their Delegation when on a visit to this place. " had been 
settled to the satisfaction of all parties." 

Such up to the time I wrote was all the information I had 
received relative to the Comanches, except that Lt. Chapman had 
reported on the 2Sth. ulto, that they had left the Bosque Redoudo, 
for " other parts," which last report taken in connection with 
Mother he made to Col : Alexander, that there was no more corn 
to be obtained at Anton Chico. induced me to accede to the request 
of Col : Alexander, to be allowed to move JA. Chapmans Co. " F " 
1 Drgs. to Las Vegas or its vicinity where Forage and Grazing 
for the animals could be obtained, which will account for there 
being no troops in position at Anton Chico or La Cuesta, when the 
occurrences took place which are related below. It may be here 
remarked that Col. Alexander when he requested that the Com- 
pany might be moved, stated that he would from time to time 
send detachments to or in the direction of Anton Chico, or La 
Cuesta, in order that by their presence the Indians might be pre- 
vented from coining into the Settlements, or if they did, from 
committing depredations. 

On the 1st inst. information was received from a Mr. Samson Pa?e .39 Rp- 
(enclosed letter No 1) that a large body of Comanches were in La 
Cuesta and had committed some depredations. I immediately 
sent instructions to Col : Alexander commanding Las Vegas (letter Page 195. 
No 2) directing him to enquire into the report of Mr. Samson and 
to move a company of Dragoons to Anton Chico, so as to give pro- 
tection to the inhabitants and to punish the Indians, if depredations 
had been committed. It afterwards appeared that Mr. Samson had 
written to Col : Alexander on the 27th. informing him that the 
Indians were then at Anton Chico which was the day previous 

to the one he informed me that they were at Lea Cuesta — (see ^j^^ 2^ „K^- 

^ port Book & 
letter No. .3, A. and Col. Alexanders No. 4) and that the Colonel 39 Letter. 

had dispatched Lt. Adams with his company to watch their move- 
ments and find out their intentions. Lt. Adams arrived at Anton 
Chico on the 28th. and found the inhabitants in their fields and 
every thing quiet, no one having any fear of the Comanches. On 
the next day he met aud conversed with several Comanche Chiefs, 
who all professed peace and seemed peaceable, .nccordingly he ^^g« 25 Re- 
returned to Las Vegas on the 30th (see Lt. Adams report No 5) 

On the morning of the 2d. the Alcalde of Galisteos reported that 
a large body of Comanches had come into that place aud after 

1 A. G. O., Old Book, No. 4, pp. 206-209. 



348 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 



Page 



Pages 28 
30 Report 
Book. 



remaining some time and obtaining wlierewith to supply their 
wants, otherwise peaceable, had gone west-ward, as they said to 
make an incursion into the Navajoe Country. As I considered 
that it was not the policy of the Government to allow tribes to war 
with one another, I at once sent information of their movements 
to Maj Howe Commanding Alburquerque (letter No 6) and di- 
rected him to prevent them from crossing the Rio Grande — to 
treat them as enemies if they had committed depredations, to 
inform them that they could not go into the Navajo Country but 
must return to their own. 

On the same day I sent Bvt. Lt. Col. H. Brooks with all the 
disposable force of the two Companies of Artillery at this post 
to San Domingo (see Dept. Sp. O. No. 47 of the 2 inst) with 
similar instructions to those given Maj. Howe. 

And sent an express to Cibolletta with orders to the Com- 
manding officer there to send all his disposable force, and if the 
Indians had ci-ossed the Rio Grande, to follow them and force 
their return, — with other instructions also similar to those given 
to Maj Howe (No 6.) 

On the 5th I received a note from Col. Brooks at San Domingo 
forwarding a letter No 7 from Asst : Surgeon Byrne at Albur- 
querque (written by direction of Maj Howe who was confined 
to his bed) both reporting that the Comanches had at one time 
crossed the River for the purpose of making an expedition 
against the Navajoes but, on account of the scarcity of water 
and grass, had been compelled to recross the river and when last 
seen were going eastward with the intention as they said to 
return to their own country. I afterwards received a letter from 
Col: Chandler (No 8) to the same effect. A Company of 
Dragoons being ordered to follow their trail, watch their move- 
ments prevent or punish depredations, and force them if force 
was required to leave the Country. As the Indians had behaved 
peaceably, I ordered Col. Brooks to return with his command to 
this post where he arrived on the 7th. (see his accompanying 
repoi't No 9). 

On the 6th I received a letter from Col : Alexander No 10 
enclosing one from Lt. Adams No 11, with one from Lt. A. sent 
direct (No 12) reporting the result of the movement made from 
Las Vegas to enquire into the report, made by Mr. Samson (No 1) 
to me as instructed in my letter of the 1st. inst (No 2). From 
these reports you will perceive that Mr. Samson altho' writing 
to this place 60 miles — concerning Indian depredations, did not 
inform Lt. Adams, who was at Anton Chico only 18 miles witli 
two Companies of Dragoons, and who was thus in position and 
in force sufficient to intercept and punish the Indians, if their 
conduct had been such as to require it. — But from Lt. A', letter 
you will perceive that it is a matter of great doubt if anything 
was done for which the inhabitants desired the Comanches to 
be molested. The people of Anton Chico and La Cuesta and along 
the Rio Pecos, carry on a continual trade with these Indians, and 
it is to their interest to preserve a friendly relation towards 
Pages 20, 15 them and from Lt. Adams report and from those of Lieut Chap- 
Book ^^^^^^ man of the 4th. 8. & 9th. of June forwarded to you with my letter 



Page 36 
Report Book. 



COKRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 349 

of the 29 ulto. you will perceive that they are considered as 
friends coming without exciting any alarm among the people for 
the safety of themselves or their property. As to the cattle 
killed by "Eagle Feathers" the cause Is shown to be that he 
had not forgotten or forgiven the loss of his captive (a Mexican) 
which he left behind when he and his party ran away from this 
place on the 29th. of May last. That captiA-e is now living with 
the Governor at his house and I respectfully call your attention 
particularly to the fact that the only aggressions committed, or 
said to have been committed, by the Comanches of which any 
particular complaint has been made has been done by the party 
of " Eagle Feathers " and the reason assigned for his enmity, is 
the loss of the Mexican captive above referred to. For the 
opinions the Comanches themselves formed as to the loss of that 
captive I refer you to Lt. Chapmans letter of the 8th. & 9th. of 
last mouth. 

***** 
As to the causes of this and for the confirmation of the opinion 
of Lt. Adams, your attention is requested to the remarks of Col. 
Brooks on the subject (No. 8) You will observe from Mr. Sam- Report Book 
sons letter No. 3 " B that he reported to Lt. Chapman on the 28 ^^^® ^^* 
ulto. that the Indians altho in large numbers, professed friend- 
ship and very very friendly & that he gave that information in 
order that the Troops should not be sent to La Cuesta. Yet on 
the same day he informed me that they were committing depre- 
dations and neglected to inform Lt. C. or Col. Alexander of the 
change in the condition of affairs, which makes it more evident 
that neither himself or the prefect representing the people de- 
sired that the Indians should be disturbed. It has been the same 
throughout. I have received no Information of the Indians being 
at any place until a day or two after their departure, whereas in 
every case, either myself or other officers and those in command 
of mounted troops could have been notified on the same day In 
the case at La Cuesta, in a few hours. I, am therefore forced to 
the conclusion that there is a feeling among the Mexicans 
towards Americans, at least negative in its character, and a 
positive friendly one towards the Indians. 

With much respect, 
I am Sir 

Your obd. Servt. 

(sd.) .John Muneoe 

Major 2 Art. Bvt. Col. U. S. A. 

Comdg. 
Bvt. Maj Genl. Jones 

Adjt. Genl. U. S A 
Wnshington D. C. 



350 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

[CALHOUN TO MUNROE ^] 

Executive Department 

Santa Fe N. Mexico 

May 7, 1851. 
Sir, 

I have most anxiously considered the subject of a proper disposi- 
tion of the numerous Body of Apaches now in Camp near San 
INIiguel, La Cuesta and Anton Chico and have come to the conclusion 
they should at once be placed under your exclusive authority as the 

officer 
Commanding of this Department 

As the Superintendent of Indian Affairs in this Territory I am 
without instructions as to the Section of country in which these Indi- 
ans should be located nor have I the means to supply their hungry 
cravings with the necessaries of Life demanded by a just humanity — 
It is perfectly evident they must steal or starve unless some plan is 
devised to subsist them & without this subsistence it would be folly 
to suppose they could be subjected to proper restraint — If these 
Indians remain in their present localities we must anticipate blood 
shed & depredations and their impoverished condition must become 
infinitely worse as they will sell every blanket and animal they 
possess or may be able to steal in order to procure ardent spirits 

You and you alone have the only power that can be exercised in this 
Territory to apply a temporary remedy for the evils herein sug- 
gested. I am aware you have not a sufficient Military Force at your 
disposal to protect the Border Settlements of the Territory if these 
Indians are dispersed and their dispersion would result in the re- 
newal of Butcheries and Robl)erieK on the plains and in every other 
accessible point 

We have reason to expect at an early day instructions from the 
proper Department at Washington in reference to a disposition of 
these and other Indians without our jurisdiction & for this reason no 
other than a temporary arrangement is advisable. 

It is a serious & threatening matter to have from two to five 
thousand Indians characterised by the worst possible passions of 
man within our Borders liaving between them in their present locali- 
ties and their hiding places in the' mountains hundreds of our citizens 
with their Herds of Cattle put them to flight and many of these citi- 
zens must be butchered and the greater portion of them will be driven 
off — I respectfully suggest that the military force now in that Quar- 
ter is wholly inadequate to prevent serious disorders should they 
remain where they are situated at this time and to remove them to a 
proper distance would require a much more augmented force to pre- 
serve the Lives & Property of people in this Territory 



a. G. O., Old Book, No. 4, pp. 119-121. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 351 

For these last observations I trust you will pardon me as it is a 
subject within your Exclusive Jurisdiction but as the people of the 
Territory are immediately interested in this matter I have ventured 
the observations 

About 10 o clock this morning it is my intention to call upon you 
in reference to this subject and this communication is sent to you 
that you may in the meantime reflect upon its contents 
I am, With great respect 

Your obt. Servt. 

Signed, James S. Calhoun 
Col : Jno Munroe 

Comdg 9 Mil. Dept. 

Santa Fe 
New Mexico. 
Note — It escaped my recollection for a moment to say I am of the 
opinion the Indians mentioned in this communication should be re- 
moved South without Delay to a convenient place where they may 

' be 
carefully watched by a sufficient Military Force and where good 
grazing grounds are to be found (This should have proceeded the 
foregoing Apology) 

J. S. C— 

[CALHOUN TO LATZ '] 

Executive Department 

Santa Fe New Mexico 

May 8, 1851 
Sir, 

I desire you to see Chacun and the other Indians in the vicinity 
of his camp and inform them distinctly that they must leave their 
present place of abode and be at Anton Chico on the morning of the 
15 day of this month on their way to a location which I have assigned 
them at least two days travel south of Anton Chico 

If in obedience to this order they depart peaceably and willingly 
corn will be given them at Anton Chico on the 15 or 16 of this month 
by order of Col : Munroe when they have received their corn they 
must immediately depart for their new but temporary homes and 
you w'ill say to them, the corn is to feed them and must not be sold 
for any purpose Avhatever 

Chacun understands the necessity of this order but it is well to 
remind him of his promise Avhich and all of the Indians in the 
neighbourhood are required to observe, they must not, cannot and 
shall not remain wdiere they are & upon their immediate compliance 

1 A. G. O., Old Book, No. 4, pp. 124-125. 



352 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

with this order & their good conduct depend the gratuities which the 
Government of the U. S. are disposed to grant them 
Respectfully 

Your obt, Servt, 

Signed, James S. Calhoun 
Mr. Latz 

San Miguel — 

[Related Correspondence.] 

[McLAWS TO ALEXANDER.i] 

Hd Qes : 9 Mil : Dept, 
Santa Fe New Mexico 

May 8, 1851. 

CCILONEL, 

I enclose herewith by direction of Colonel Munroe a copy of a communica- 
tion to Mr Latz from Govr. Calhoun 

The original has been sent to Mr. Latz or Lt. Chapman, who is supposed to 
be at San Miguel, if however neither Mr. Latz or Lt. Chapman are at San 
Miguel (& the Expressman has been directed to euquire & to inform you) Col. 
Munroe directs that you immediately select some suitable individual to com- 
municate with the Apaches aud inform them of the purport of the enclosed copy 
of a Letter to Mr. Latz above referred to— 
Respectfully 

Your obt. Servt. 

L McLaws 
Lt 7 Infy & A A A Genl 
Col : E. B. Alexandi: R 
Commanding 
Las Vegas 

[MUNROE TO CALHOUN.-] 

Head Quarters 9th. Mil Dept. 

Santa Fe% 24 May 1851. 
Shi, 

I duly received your letter of the 23d. inst. requesting that the 
room now occupied by the Asst. Adjt. Genl. may be vacated for the 
use of the Legislature at its coming session. The removal of the 
office at this time would be specially inconvenipnt and I regret that 
I cannot accede to your request. 

I would also recur to my having already given up for the use of 
the Executive of the Territory, all of the building at present habit 
able, except this room, with the understanding with your excellency 
that the portion transferred was suiRcient — and that this arrange- 
ment would continue until the Executive of the U. S. or other com- 

1 A. G. O., Old Book, No. 4, p. 12.5. 

2 Ibid, p. 139. 



COERESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 353 

petent authority directed what disposition should be made of the 
building — whether for Territorial or other purposes, 
I am 

Very respectfully 

Your obd. Servt. 

(sd) John Munroe. 

His Excellency 

Gov. Calhoun 
Terr. N. Mex^ 

[CALHOUN TO LEA.'] 

No. 5. 

ExECLTivE Department 

Santa Fe', New Mexico 

Maij 28th 1851. 
Sir, 

Your two letters of the 27th of March last, were received on the 
24th inst. In reference to the one acknowledging the receipt of my 
accounts for the quarter ending 30th September 1850, allow me to re- 
mind you, although I am no longer recognized as an Indian Agent, 
I am compelled to discharge the duties of that officer, and, until I 
am releived from that duty by the arrival of an Indian Agent, I think 
I ought to be sustained by some provision, which, I presume, it is 
competent for the Department to grant, under the peculiar and highly 
delicate position in which I have been placed — To prevent terrible 
outbreaks by the Indians of the Territory has required all the in- 
genuity and means that I could command — To have done less, in my 
opinion, would have been productive, or rather, permissory of hor- 
rible butcheries and devastations, that have been avoided, and which 

States, 
would have been disreputable to the Government of the United 
and a disgrace to your Indian Agent in this Territory; and, hence, 
the responsibility which he has assumed, and which too, if our In- 
dian affairs, in this Territory, are properly understood at Washing- 
ton, will not, and can not be disapproved— I have notice this morn- 
ing, that a number of Comanches and Apaches will be here on to- 
morrow, or the next day, to confer with me in relation to their future 
localities, and the purposes of the United States towards them — and 
it is extremely unfortunate that I am without instructions or means 
to accomplish any permanent good— Must I, therefore, do nothing? 
I should regard myself as an unfaithful servant if I did not attempt 
to conciliate them until the pleasure of the Government is an- 

1 O. I. A., New Mexico Supy., N 123. 
5021—15 23 



354 COKKESPONDENCE OE JAMES S. CALHOUN". 

noimcecl — This course is reeymmended to me by tke considerations 
of humanity, not to the Indians only, but also, our own people — It 
will prevent some murders and depredations — Under such cir- 
cumstances, ought I to assume proper responsibilities to avoid the 
calamities alluded to, and preserve, if possible their tranquility until 
the Government is ready to speak? I think so, and humanity, as 

good 
well as the repute of the United States, will approve mj as- 

sumptions — What auditors may do, I can not tell, but suggest, 
that those who are invested with discretionary power should, on some 
occasions, interfere to prevent the sacrifice of a faithful public officer; 
and in that light. / regard mj'self. We are yet quite ignorant of the 
laws passed by the last Session of Congress, and if we had the laws 
regulating trade and intercourse, with the Indians of this Territory, 
if amended as I have heretofore recommended, they would materially 
aid us in preserving our quiet. 

I shall have occasion to speak to 3^ou again, in reference to Indian 
matters^ before the departure of our June mail for the States. 
I have the honor to be. 

Your obedient Servant 

James S. Calhoun 
Hon. L. Lea, 

Comr. of Ind. Affs. 

Washington City, B.C. 

[CALHOUN TO LEA.'] 

No. 6. 

EXECUTI^^) DePART3IENT, 

Santa Fe', New Mexico, 

May 28fh. 1851 
Sir. 

Your letters of the 5th and 12th of April last were received on the 
24th inst. and I am gTatified at the appointment of four Indian 
Agents for this Territory — If proper laws have been extended over 
this Territor}^, and the means are authorized to locate and subsist the 
Indians for a short period, we can lay the foundations of a quietude 
unknown to the people of New Mexico. I am acquainted with two 
of the Agents appointed, and judging from their well established 
characters, I doubt not, the four will, indeed, " prove valuable and 
efficient aids in the administration of Indian Affairs in this Superin- 
tendency." These Agents, so much needed, have not yet arrived, nor 
am I advised when to expect them. If present, they could materially 
aid in preserving the public quiet — In another point of view, their 

iQ. I. a., New Mexico Supy., N 122. 



COKEESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 355 

presence is of less consequence, at this moment, because I do not think 
it probable there will be a very early movement of troops against 
Indians. But it is important to locate them, and to have them 
directly under the care of Agents, who should be sustained by a suit- 
able military force. 

In the absence of all knoAvledge as to the legislation of Congress 
during its last Session, and without specific instructions from the 
Department, when the time arrives, I shall exercise the discretion 
vested in me by your two letters of the 5th & 12th of April last ; and 
I beg to assure you, nothing shall be wanting, on my part, to secure 
the harmony expected, and to give effect to the wishes of the Govern- 
ment in the conduct of Indian Affairs within this Superintendency, 
With great respect, 
I am, 

Your obedient Servant, 

James S. Calhoun 
Hon. L. Lea 

Commissioner die. &c. 

W ashington City, 
D. C. 

[CALHOUN TO LEA.^] 

No. 7. 

Executive Department 

Sante Fe' Neav Mexico 

June 1, 1851. 
Sir, 

I desired, in this number to have given you particulars in relation 
to Apaches, Comanches, Navajos, and Utahs, but have not time, as 
the mail is now closing — Three days ago, a Comanche deputation 
came to me, and on the second night, disappeared, leaving all of their 
animals and property behind — This was caused by representations 
made to them by persons who are averse to all order, by stating to 
them I was only waiting a favorable moment to have them mur- 
dered — This I learned from one of the Indians, brought to me by one 
my agents who went in pursuit — carrying with him their entire 
property for the purpose of restoring it — 

Respectfully James S. Calhoun 

Hon. L. Lea, 

Comr. &c. 

Washington City 
D. C. 

10. I. a., New Mexico Supy., N 124. 



356 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

[Related Correspondence.] 

[McLAWS TO CHANDLER.i] 

Head Qrs. 9th. Mil Dept. 
Santa Fe\ N. M. June 10 51. 
Colonel. 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Communica- 
tion of the 2d. inst reporting the information you had received con- 
cerning the movements of the Navajoes — In regard to the few families 
of that tribe who have expressed a desire to join the friendly Xava- 
joes in the vicinity of Cibolletta, Col. Munroe directs me to inform 
you that he has consulted with Governor Calhoun on the subject,, 
and that both are desirous that such should happen that a com- 
mencement be made separating those who are desirous of remaining 
peaceable from the others. Those families will be authorised to 
settle near Cibbolletta as you proposed. 
With much respect 

L ]\IcLaws 
1 Lt 7 Infy 
AAA Genl 
Colonel D. F Chandler 
Commdg. 

Cibolletta 

[CALHOUN TO CHAPMAN.^'] 

Executive Departiment 
Santa Fe', N M. June 9th 1851 
Sir, 

I have employed Don Xicolass Prada, J Ant. Margues, Carlos Vigil 
and Juan Ant. Vigil to take charge of the property left by the 
Cumanches in their recent flight from this City, and I have to request 
you to deliver the same to the individuals above named and to take 
their receipt for the property. They are directed to proceed with 
all convenient dispatch to the Cumanche Country, and to deliver to 
the Indians the property. 

I have to thank you for the Aid you have already afforded me in 
this matter and beg you to forward to me the receipt alluded to 
above, with such observations in relation to the past and the future, 
as may occur to you 

I have the honor to be 
Your obd. Servt. 

(signed) J. S. Calhoun. 

Lt. O. Chapman 

U.S. A 

Anton Chico 
N M. 

1 A. G. O., Old Book, No. 4, pp. 168-169. * Ibid, p. 163. 



COERESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 357 

[BEAUBIEN TO CALHOUN.'] 

D. Fernando de Taos 

June 11^ 1851. 
To his Excellenc}^ 

Govr. James S. Calhoun 
Sir, 

I hope I shall not be considered as too presuming in the communi- 
cation of information I am about to make to you. I have been an 
inhabitant of the Territory and the Valley of Taos in particular for 
many years and believe that I understand the native Mexican well. 

There have been indications within the last few weeks sufficient 
to convince me that a rebellion against the constituted United States 

tern 
authorities is in con plation among the Lower class of the inhabit- 
ants of the country of Taos; Every Effort has been made to excite 
the mass by which I mean the Vagabond and unoccupied part of the 
population against the Americans 

From information I have had from reliable sources secret meet- 
ings have held under various pretences for the purpose of organizing 
an insurrection its object the extermination of the Americans and 
the Kobbery of their Property. 

Every report false or true in regard to the Proceedings of the 
existing Government and citizens of the United States has been put 
in circulation to unite the Peoi)le Iieic. 

Superstition has been appealed to and the present bad season for 
the cultivation of the soil has been attributed to the curse of Ameri- 
can Domination. The Jourse {sic) the individual incentive of these 
excitement it is hard to discover but such sinister excitement is on 
foot 

I am aware that such an e xcitemen t insurrection if raised would re- 
sult in the masacre of the isolated Americans and foreigners in this 
part of the Territor}^ that the retributive justice that would follow 
Avould be the extermination of the Insurgents. But this it appears 
to me should be an event much to be deplored & that it should by 
timely and prudent measures be avoided. 

In connexion with our entire want of confidence and absolute sus- 
picion of the intentions of the ^Mexicans and Pueblos around us we 
have in addition the Apaches Jicarillas within a few miles of D. 
Fernandez some two or three hundred strong who daily obtain whis- 
kev of the Mexicans in the ranches or elsewhere & insult all Ameri- 
cans whom they find alone & defenceless. The owners & operators 
of the mills of Messrs St. Vrain & C° in the Valley of the Eio Grande 
some seven miles from this place have been within a day or two past 
threatened with masacre by drunken Jicarrillas. 

1 a. G. O., Old Book, No. 4, pp. 172-174 ; B. I. A., M. L., June, 1851. 



300 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUJN. 

The Yutas are in force at Valley of La Costillo some forty or fifty 
miles from here and when visiting the settlements or rancheos are 
insolent and provocative and its reported have killed a citizen — the 
report wants confirmation — but it is true that the Yutas have held 
council of a secret nature with the Pueblos of Taos 

Being thus surrounded by well found apprehensions of Danger on 
every side — no confidence in the Mexican Population less in the Yutas 
and Jicarrillas now among us by treaty & the passes and safe guard 
of military officers and believing from all that we can see that these 
Indians are tampered with by Mexicans to effect our destruction if in 
their power we belieA^e the Infantry Force at present in the Valley 
of Taos inadequate for its protection or defence against both secret 
and open enemies — I therefore respectfully suggest that the Com- 
mander of the Department be requested by Your Excellency, to send 
us a company of Artillery or other mounted Troops I fully believe 
that the moral effect of such additional force would be quell insurrec- 
tionally feeling & under proper directions from your Excellency 
compel the Yutas & Jicarrillas to retire at a sufficient distaucp. to rid 
us of their molestations. 

With sentiments of the highest respects and esteem 
Your obt. Servant 

(Signed) Charles Beaubien ^ 

[Related Correspondence.] 

[munroe to JONES.^] 

Hd. Qrs. 9 Mil: Dept. 

Santa Fe Ni:\v Mexico 

Jniir 30, IS51. 
See report Book SiR. 
P^si"^^- J enclose herewitli a co])y of ;i Letter fi-om Govr. Callioiin to 

myself of the 14t]a with one to him from Charles Beaubien a citi- 

circuit 
zen of the County of Taos formerly one of the Judges of 

this Okeuit Court Territory informing the Governor that from 
indications in the Valley of Taos, he was convinced that a rebellion 
against the constituted United States authorities was in contem- 
plation among the lower classes of luhabitants. and if commenced, 
those people would be assisted by the Jicarilla Apaches and Yutas. 
Spec. Order No. Acting upon the information given by Judge Beaubien and upon 
'' ' ' consultation with Govr. Calhoun 1 organized a force from the two 

artillery companies stationed here, of one subaltern & sixty rank 
vt File with two twelve ])ound Howitzers and placed it under 
command of Bvt. Major H. L. Kendriclv 2d Arty who left here on 
the lijth with orders to ])roceed & take command of the Post of 
Taos and on his arrival to enquire fully into all the circumstances 
connected with the contemplated rebellion and report his views on 
the subject. 



1 For comment upon this communication, see related correspondence. 
" A. G. O., Old Book, No. 4, pp. 193-194. 



COEEESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 359 

With regard to the remark in Judge Beaubieu's Letter that the 
Yiitas and Jicarilla Apaches were among them by treaty and 
passes & safeguards of Military Officers — I beg leave to assert that 
he is entirely under a niisapiirehension on that I'oint 

By the treaty made with the Jicarilla Apaches they are re- 
quired to keep beyond all settlements, it is true, they have not 
complied with it in that particular but the policy of allowing a 
non compliance with it on their part, does not rest with the Army 

I think it is shown by my Letter to you of the 31st. Ulto. and Page 157. 
correspondence enclosed, that the Troops under my command have 
been in position & in force sufficient «& had opportunities & no 
doubt were willing to chastise & expel the Apaches if such had 
been required by the Executive of this Territory but as it is be- 
lieved and as the Indians themselves have asserted that if they 
are driven out of the settlements it will be necessary either for 
them to recommence their old system of depredations or to starve 
and as up to the present time, they have not committed depreda- 
tions and have seemed inclined to provide and have been provid- 
ing for their wants by following peaceful pursuits it was thought 
best to let them roam about unmolested provided they kept peace- 
able until some definite instructions were received as to thei? 
final disposition to be made of them by the Government, acting 
upon that principale which was the course advised by the Gov- 
ernor as Superintendent of Indian Affairs; The officers who were 
in position to watch over the movement of the Indians were 
instructed accordingly — see enclosed Copy No 3. of a Letter to Page 165. 
Captain Ewell — 

I have no information nor do I believe that any pass or safe- 
guard to any Indians has been granted by any officer except such 
as was aflorded on one occasion by an Escort of Dragoons which 
was sent from Anton Chico with a delegation of Comanches & 
returned with them — 

The letter of Judge Beaubien will show the peculiar position 
of the Arn)y in this country while the officers and men are blamed 
for affording protection to the inhabitants from the incursions of 
the Indians. The inhabitants themselves are in league with those 
Ii'dians countenancing their presence and furnishing them with 
Liquor and other contraband articles which renders them more 
troublesome than they otherwise would he ; thus the Army has a 
double duty to perform, not only to give protection from internal 
dissensions, to protect one class of the inhabitants from the other, 
but from Indian Depredations from without. 

Since writing the above Major Kendrick has reported his views See Report 
relative to the condition of affairs in the County of Taos see copy f ^g^^g^'tf *jjf^' 
enclosed No. 4 in which as you will perceive he asserts that he Page 183. 
did not think it was necessary for any additional force to remain 
in that quarter, accordingly he was directed to return with his 
command to this Place & arrived on the 28 Inst 
Most Kespectfully. Your obt. Servt. 

Sgd. John Munroe Maj. 2d Arty. 

Bvt. Col. USA 

Maj. Genl. R. Jokes 

Adjutant Genl. USA 



360 COERESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

[MoLAWS TO GORDON.i] 

Hd. Qrs. 9 Mil. Dept. 
Santa Fe New Mexico 

June 2Ji, 1S51. 
Majoe, 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 
21st (which should have been sent through the Comd'g Officer of the Post) 
giving it as your opinion that all the excitement gotton up in Taos originated 
through political feeling & stating that the movement of the section of artillery 
upon that place would operate unfavorably upon your character with the people 
in as much as it will be reported that you had asked for reinforcement when 
on the contrary you considered yourself sufficiently strong to hold your position 
until the Comdr. of the Department had been notified in the event of an out- 
break — also stating that your position was partially compromised as it is 
known that you are relieved from your command & therefore but little confi- 

in your regard 
dence can be placed in your regar d by the inhabitants for their 

safety when threatened wnth danger & remarking that if you were removed to 
some other position & another more trustworthy officer sent in your place it 
would possibly secure more confidence to the people. — 

To which Colonel Munroe directs me to reply By the enclosed copy of a com- 
munication from Judge Beaubien to Govi'. Calhoun which was sent by the Govr. 

an 
to Colonel Munroe you will perceive that (Judge B.) who has been a- inhabitant 
of this Territory & particularly of the Valley of Taos for many years & who 
has occupied high & responsible positions under the Government where he has 
had every opportunity of Judging & who therefore understands the character of 
the Mexican & whose views therefore eetjtle in regard to them are entitled to 
the highest consideration says that there was in contemplation a rebellion 
against the constituted authorities of the U. S. by the lower class of the in- 
habitants of the County of Taos. 

that he feared if the rebellion commenced the people would be assisted in 
their acts of violence by the Jicarilla Apaches & by the Yutas who were at 
that time within a short distance of Taos — and that therefore (he) speaking 
for tha Americans & respectable citizens did not think one company of Infantry 
a force adequate for the protection of the Valley of Taos against both secret 
& open enemies. 

Governor Calhoun in his Letter to Colonel Munroe remarked that it would 
require the utmost Vigilance to prevent an outbreak & requested that an addi- 
tional force with some artillery should be sent to the Valley of Taos in order 
by its presence not only to overcome those who intended a rebellion but to 
reassure those who feared one. 

Under those circumstances a force of one Subaltern «& sixty rank & file with 
two pieces of ordnance was organized here & sent to Taos under Major 
Kendrick who was ordered to assume command of the Post because ha was 
senior to you ; there was no other one to send from here who had a right to 
command such a force of Arty except Col. Brooks and if he had been sent the 
same result would have followed. 

From the above remarks & from the Letter of Judge Beaubien you will per- 
ceive that the Arty force was sent to Taos upon the representations & urgent 
request of one (Judge B) of the most responsible men in that section of 

lA. G. O., Old Book, No. 4, pp. 183-185. 



COERESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 361 

Country; & by tlie desire of the Governor of this Territory— That the main 
object was to prevent an outbreali. 

In conclusion Col : Munroe desires rue to assure you that never for a moment 
was it thought that your position would be compromised by sending an addi- 
tional force to Taos nor does he believe that it will in the least when the 
matter is properly understood ; nor did he by relieving you from Command 
intend to reflect in the slightest manner on your trust-worthiness — You were 
relieved or superseded in command because the accident of rank made it so — 
With much Respect 

Your obt. Servt. 

I; McLaws 

1 Lt 7 Infy 
AAA Genl 
Major W. H. Gordon 

Comd'g Co. H Sd Infy 

Taos 

[CALHOUN TO MUNROE/] 

Executive Department 
Santa Fe', N Mex'\ June H 1851. 
Sir, 

I enclose for your perusal and consideration a letter - from Judge 
Beaubien, received last night at 9 o'clock. 

The insurrectionary and rebellious manifestations to which he 
alludes, are in my opinion a part of the mischievous machinery, to 
which your attention was called by me in a confidential note dated 
June 10, 1851. The designs of a few persons in this Territory are 
too evident to be mistaken and I doubt not you will agree with me 
in opinion that it will require the utmost vigilance upon the part of 
all in authority in this Territory to prevent the outbreak desired by 
the reckless. 
I am, 

Your obd. Servt. 

(sd) James S. Calhoun 

Col. Munroe 

Commanding 

[CALHOUN TO WEBSTER.'] 

ExECUTTVE Department 

Santa Fe New Mexico 

June 30th 1851 
Sir 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication 
of the 21st of April last, informing me that thirty seven copies of 

lA. G. O., Old Book, No. 4, p. 180. 
2 See p. 357. 
8B. I. A., M. L., June, 1851. 



the Acts of the Second Session of the thirty first Congress, had been 
forwarded to me, and the receipt of said copies is hereby acknowl- 
edged, I have also to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 
23rd of April last in reference to my correspondence as Governor 
and your instructions will be observed 
I am 

With great respect 

Your obedient Servant 

J. S. Calhoun 
Hon 

Danl. Wkbster 

Secretary of State 

Washington City 

D. C. 

I CALHOUN TO WEBSTEB/] 

Executive Departjment 

Santa Fe, Neav Mexico 

June 30th 1851 
Sir 

It is my duty to advise you in relation, to the condition of affairs 
in this Territory and I will do so as briefly as possible 

My correspondence with the Hon Secretary of the Interior during 
A.pril and May last will show that the quiet of this Territory was 
menaced Since then every element of discord has been called, into 
requisition to disaffect the Pueblo Indians and others I mentioned 
in April last on the authority of Indians that certain persons had 
tampered with the Pueblo of, San Dia. During the present month, 
delegations from the Pueblos, of Taos, San Juan, Santa Clara, San 
Hilafonso, Tesuque Nambe, Cochito, Santa Domingo, Cia, Santa 
Anna San Felipe, and Sandia, have visited me in highly excited 
State of mind, and without being able or willing, to give names they 
confirmed the fact, that individuals connected with a faction de- 
feated at a recent Territorial election, had continued to put in circu- 
lation among them reports to the effect, tliey were to be driven from 
their Pueblos, and their lands and property taken from them 

About the same time copies of the paper marked A. abounding in 
positive falsehoods, and excedingly inflamatory, were circulated 
throughout the Territory, both in English and Spanish, this, you 
will perceive, is the act of a defeated faction, and among the signers 
you will discover the name of A. W. Reynolds, assistant quarter 
master in this place, with the rank of Captain in the U. S. Army, 
the paper marked, B. was deemed necessary to allay the excitement 



1 B. I. A., M. L., June, 1851. Transcribed from copy, original not on file. The signa- 
ture, however, is Calhoun's own. 



COERESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 363 

and has attached to it thirty members of the Legislature, and one 
who would have signed it in consequence of indisposition, was ab- 
sent, there are the names of six members, on the first paper, and two 
absent, of the members of the council there are twelve who consti- 
tute the majority, and one in the minority, and in the House of Rep- 
resentatives nineteen to seven. While the merits of the two papers 
were being discussed the copy of a letter marked, C. from, Hon. 
Charles Bewbien, late a Judge in this Territory, was received, then 
folloAved a letter addressed to me by the Probate Judge of Taos 
county enclosing a copy of the paper marked, D. the persons named 
in this Copy are of the same class, you will notice the name of Rey- 
nolds again, but I do not vouch that there was authority for its use, 
this is known however, he has been canvassing a great portion of 
the Territory as Candidate for Delegate to Congress, and a portion 
of the party, call it the Reynolds party, the letter from Judge Bew- 
bien was laid before Col. Munroe, who promptly ordered a company 
of Artillery to Taos. Reports during this time, were fabricated and 
put in circulation of collisions, the destruction of property, and the 
approach of Wild Indians, and for several days the public mind was 
in a very fevered condition. Fortunately, the Pueblos after being 
in council, at this Superintendency, for near three days became thor- 
oughly satisfied, brought to me their report written by the Governor 
of Sandia, and which report, I transmit to the Commissioner of 
Indian affairs by the mail of to morrow Maj. Kendrick, who had 
c;ommand of the troops sent to Taos, returned on the 28th inst and 
reports every thing quiet, but is under the impression that the ques- 
tion as to an outbreak had been agitated, the Civil officers of the 
Territory advise me that, tranquility reigns in every direction, dis- 
turbed only by the incursions of the Navajoes 

In this connection, it may not be improper to state, I had an agree- 
ment to meet at Anton Chico on 16th of May last, the Head Chief of 
the Apaches East of the Rio del Norte, for the purpose of giving them 
some corn 

Cumanche Indians arrived at that place on the 12th of the month, 
but two days before I arrived they suddenly left, and I subsequently 
learned from the Cumanches, some Mexicans had told them we in- 
tended to kill them all so soon as I arrived. A Cumanche deputation 
come to this place on the 28th ult. held a long talk with them on the 
29th, which appeared to give them entire satisfaction, bought from 
them a captive boy, and between twelve and one Oclock, on the morn- 
ing of the 30th ult they left their lodgings, leaving behind them all 
of their animals, arms, and other property, which I have had re- 
turned to them, one of the Indians aged and wanting in physical 
strength, was left in the rear, and was overtaken by one my agents 
Avith whom he returned. He stated that some person or persons 



364 COREESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

had called out their cheifs, about 12 Oclock at night and informed 
him that it was my intention to have them killed next morning, the 
the foregoing sketch will show the obstacles in point, which I 
have to encounter as Governor of this Territory, two of the Judges 
Mower and Watts arrived on the 26th inst, and will remedy some of 
the difficulties, that I have had to encounter heretofore. Mr. Allen, 
Secretary of the Territory, has not arrived, and his absence embar- 
rasses us, (as the) as the Legislature is in session, and we have no 
instructions in relation to expenditures 

On the 25th of the month the Navajoes entered the Pueblo of 
Isletta, and drove off a large number of animals, Isletta is an Indian 
Pueblo on the west bank of the Rio del Norte, in the midst of a heavy 
population, about twelve miles south of the Military post of Albu- 
querque, — during the past year the Navajoes have been more success- 
full in their depredations than at any former period — these outrages 
should be stoped on the 29th and 31st of May last upon this point I 
addressed to the Hon A. H. H. Stewart Secretary of the Interior, a 
conimunication — in the last letter I say " We need munitions of war, 
and authority to call out the militia to preserve internal quiet and to 
repel aggressions at Points tchich cannot he supported hy the troops 
of the Vnited States d^c. &cP May not this be yielded to us, and the 
means to support and pay troops. I do hope the tv/o letters just 
alluded to have had consideration, the wild Indians must be subdued 
and the means to prevent insurrection rebellion and to rebuke treason 
should be in some ones hands in this Territory the Judiciary cannot 
at all times ferret out the dark doings of traitors, and such People 
are here and money is more potent in bringing to light treasonable 
designs 

Facts are before you, and that a remedy is necessary, you will not 
doubt, and if there is authority to apply it. I am confident it will be 
at an early moment 
I, am 

With great respect 

Your Obedient Servant 

J. S. Calhoun 

Hon 

Danl. Webster 

Secretary of State 

Washington City D. C, 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 365 

[CALHOUN TO LEA/] 

Executive Department 

Santa Fe New IMexico 

June 30th 1851 
Sir 

At the request of the Lacomes, whose claim was left you by the 
Hon. W. S Messervy I pray to enquire concerning said claim, and 
the probability of its payment 

I take occasion to suggest that unless a proper system is adopted 
unjust demands will be admitted and paid. All the testimony in ref- 
erence to claims for Indian depredations should be taken before 
Indian Agents, and the Superintendent, and perhaps forwarded only 
by the Superintendent, there are persons now engaged in preparing 
such claims whose intrests will be advanced by increasing their 
amounts, and witnesses are easily obtained 

This is deemed sufficient to put you on your guard 
I am 

With great respect 

Your Obedient Servant 



J. S. Calhoun 



Hon 

L. Lea 

Comr of Indn Affs 
Washington City 
D. C. 

[CALHOUN TO LEA.'] 

Executive Department 

Santa Fe New Mexico 

June 30, 1851. 
Sir, 

I have not been without pressing duties before me since I have been 
in this Territory. Night after night have I been compelled to be at 
my desk, or on watch — the entire night — I need some respite, a little 
relaxation, and if there are no disorders at the time, I should be 
pleased to be permitted to visit Washington City, and my native 
State Georgia, during the ensuing fall. Might I not render good 
service in taking to Washington Indians of this Territory ? I think 

1 O. I. A., New Mexico Supy, N 127. 

a O. I. A., New Mexico Supy, N 128 ; B. I. A., M. L., June, 1851. From the duplicate 
sent to the State Department, the reference to the Indians was omitted by Calhoun. 



S66 COREESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

SO. I do not desire to leave, and will not go hence, pending dis- 
quietudes — and I pray to hear from you by return mail. 
I have the honor to be. 

Your Obedient Servant 

J. S. Calhoun 
Hon. L. Lea 

Comr. of Ind. Afs. 
Washington City 
D.C. 

[CALHOUN TO FILLMORE.'] 

Executive Department 

Santa Fe, New Mexico 

June 30th. 1851. 
Sir, 

The enclosed memorial was handed to me, with a request, to for- 
ward it to you. It is signed by members of the Legislature only. 
I have not read it, but I am not ignorant in relation to the subject, 
and some remedial measures are absolutely due to the people of this 
Territor3^ The signers are among the very best citizens of the Terri- 
tory, firm adherents to the Government of the United States^ and 
every way reliable. 

I have the honor to be 

Your obedient Servant 

J. S. Calhoun 
His Excellency 

Millard Fillmore 

President of the United States 
Washington City 
D. C. 

[Inclosure.] 

Eefd. for answer to Secy, of War 
Augt. 14. ' M F 

Santa Fe Territory of New Mexico 

June SO. 1851. 
House of Representatives and Council Charriber of Said Territory 
To Hon Millard Fillmore 

President of the United States — 
The undersigned Members of the Council and House of Repre- 
sentatives of said Territory now convened would most respectfully 
represent to your Excellency, that they have been lately advised of 
Indian inroads upon the property and persons of the Territory which 
demand as it seems to the undersigned the prompt and efficient action 

1 A. G. O., Files, N 44 of 1851. 



COEEESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 367 

of the Government of the United States. Some few days since a 
party of Navajoes made a descent upon the Pueblo of Isletta one of 
the numerous viUages upon the Eio Grande and drove off a hirge 
number of animals, successfully completing the robbery and escaping 
a rescue, while the officers and soldiers of the regular army were 
quietly reposing in quarters at Albuquerque and Socorro. The under- 
signed would respectfully suggest to your Excellency, that the mas- 
terly inactivity of the Government troops does not afford that pro- 
tection from foray and rapine which the present unhappy and dis- 
tracted state of this Territory imperatively demands; and in view of 
these facts and of the unguarded situation of the lives and property of 
our citizens the undersigned respectfully request of your Excellency 

supplied 

First That sufficient arms and munitions of war be f-fty nishc d to 
the Territory to equip and furnish a militia and volunteer force to be 
raised in the Territory^ — - 

Second, That ample power be delegated to the Executive officer of 
the Territory to call forth the Militia and to offer sufficient induce- 
ments to volunteer corps as shall command ready and effectual men 
at arms, at the precise place and moment of invasion or insurrection 

Third, That these Citizen troops when so levied should be placed 
under the immediate command and supervision of his Excellency the 
Governor of the Territory and officers to be by him appointed, and 
subjected to no other control but that of the Government of the 
United States. 

Your Excellency will permit your memorialists to urge the great ne- 
cessity of the above suggestions and petition upon your consideration, 
inasmuch as the experience of the last two years has with thei? fright- 
ful and appalling events of murder and robbery convinced the minds 
of your memorialists and their constituency of the utter inefficacy 
of the regular troops to save and protect the Territory from lawless 
savages upon our frontiers and roaming banditti in our midst. Whilst 
your memorialists cherish the highest sentiments of regard and 

& soldiers 
esteem for the brave and gallant officers stationed among 

us, they cannot but intimate to your Excellency their settled convic- 

the 
tion that best interests of our constituents and the Territory 

would be more effectually shielded by men who will fight for their 
altars and their firesides, than by disciplined troops however power- 
disposed 
ful and intrepid who seem to recline upon the glory of past 

triumphs, and are reluctant to tarnish by petty skirmishes with 
hordes of half naked savages, or scattered bandits, the laurels which 
they have so freshly won upon the tented field. 



368 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

Hoping this memorial and the unfortunate state of the Territory 
will meet with your Excellency's earliest consideration and action 
We have the honor to remain 

With sentiments of resj)ect 

Your Excellency's Obt Servts.^ 

[CALHOUN TO LEA."] 

Executive Department 

Santa Fe New Mexico 

Jime 30th 1851 
Sir. 

The June mailed arrived on the 26th, and I am without a word 
from the Department. I do not think this ought to be so. I am 
the Governor of the Territory, the Superintendent of Indian Affairs, 
and discharging the duties of an Indian Agent, the appointees not 
having arrived. I understand they are on the plains, and may be 
expected during the ensuing month. 

For more than a month past insurrection and treason have been 
rife. You are aware, if I mistake not, that I visited Anton Chico 
on the IGtli of last month, in company with Col. Munroe and others 
for the purpose of having a further talk with the Apaches residing 
east of the Eio del Norte, and of distributing among them some 
corn, as they complained of being in a starving condition. Several 
days before we reached Anton Chico, a Cumanche delegation arrived, 
and resolved to await my arrival. On the 14th, two daj^s anterior 
to our arrival, the Indians departed in great haste. Subsequent en- 
quiries brought to light the fact, that they were frightened off by 
infamous individuals, who stated to them the Americans were gather- 
ing for the purpose of murdering all the Indians we could find. Not 
an Indian was seen, nor could I ascertain who put in circulation the 
report. Messengers (runners) were sent in the direction of the 
Bosque Redondo, who fell in with the Cumanches, who came to this 
Superintendency on the 28th of May. During the ensuing day we 
had a long talk, in the presence of Col. Munroe, and a number of 
other persons. During the afternoon, the Cheif Eagle Feathers, 
visited me in raj quarters, sold to me a Captive, manifested perfect 
satisfaction at all that had passed, and repeated, that nothing but 
death would prevent his visiting me again, with Cheifs and others, 
before two moons should terminate their rounds. Between 12 and 
L O'clock on the morning of the 30th these Indians fled from the 
City, leaving behind them, their animals, arms, robes and provisions, 
so soon as I ascertained the fact, I sent out Agents in search of them. 

1 Names not copied. 

2 O. I. A., New Mexico Supy, No. 129 ; Annual Report, Commissioner of Indian Affairs, 
1851, p. 197. 



CORRESPONDE]SrCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 369 

One only, was overtaken, and he returned, and stated, that about 12 
O'clock at night, the Chief was called out, by whom, he could not 
tell, and when he returned he stated, they must run without a mo- 
ments dela}^ as we were preparing to have them all killed the next 
day. I sent out persons to have their property returned, a schedule ^ 
of which you will find enclosed, this was done at a heavy cost, but I 
could not do otherwise. The Indians in their flight carried off a 
number of animals belonging to individuals residing between this 
and Anton Chico, and a widow, who had lost nine, informed me, on 
yesterday all had been returned but one, and some other articles of 
no great value, for which she claims indemnification. This return of 
propert}^ was caused by the receipt of their own. which I had sent 
to them. Since then I have received two messages from them, desir- 
ing me to visit them, or to authorize them to come in. The latter 
proposition is altogether inadmissible, and will be so regarded, until 
insurrectionary and treasonable intents are subdued. Ignorant as I 
am of the purposes of the Government, and entirely destitute of 
means, the first proposition cannot be entertained. But the end is 
not yet 

During the present month, almost every conceivable effort has been 
made to induce the Pueblo Indians to take up arms, saying the party 
in the ascendency in this Territory intended to take from them their 
lands and property, and to drive them out of the Country, or extermi- 
nate them. At the same time, the most inflamatory articles were 
being published by the defeated, as the articles marked A, sent only 
as a specimen, abounding in falsehoods, will show. The one marked 
B was designed as a response. The Legislative Council stands twelve 
against one, and the House of Representatives nineteen to seven. 
The minority damn every body but themselves, and a few of them, 
and I hope a few only, are ripe for any thing, and their motto, I 
apprehend, is " rule or ruin." 

The Pueblo Indians have beseiged, almost, the Superintendency 
during the present month. They held a Council here, which lasted 
the greater part of three days. This council was composed of the 
Pueblos of Sandia, Santa ilna, San Felipe, Cia, Santo Domingo, 
Cochiti and subsequently, San Ildefonso, Santa Clara, Tesuque, 
Nambe, San Juan and Taos, sent in delegations, all highly excited. 
The paper marked C.- announces their final conclusion. It was 
drawn up by the Governor of Sandia, an exceedingly clever Indian. 
Not one of the Pueblos, at this time, desire to abandon their old 
customs and usages, and you may rely upon it, these people must be 
treated with the utmost delicacy, or bloody scenes will be witnessed 

^ Enclosure D. ^ On file, but not copied. 

5021—15 24 



370 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

in this Territory. A delicate induction will bring these people to 
any point you may desire, but it must be delicate, and protection 
must be afforded to them. 

You will remember my correspondence of last year advised you of 
difficulties I had to encounter, and the labor I had to perform to pre- 
vent an emeute. I was denounced for everything objectionable by 
the same party who are now sowing the seeds of discord and treason. 
But I have infinite pleasure in saying, so far, I have retained the con- 
fidence of these Indians, and I think the last effort of a desperate 
faction, has strengthened me in their estimation, and increased their 
confidence in the American Government, and your instructions in 
reply, will decide them as to their future course. I pray you be care- 
ful and weigh well the matter before you instruct. In the mean- 
time, after the arrival of the Indian Agents, who are directed to 
report to me, I shall assign one of them to the Pueblo Indians, and 
require him to visit them without delay, and to remedy, as far as pos- 
sible, the many grievances of which they have complained to me. 

As Governor of the Territory, I have today, given to the Hon Sec- 
retary of State, a brief statement of some of the obstacles I have had 
to encounter of late. Treason is abroad, and power is wanted in 
this Territory to catch the infamous who are administering to the 
disorders of the Territory 

The Navajoes, four or five days ago, pounced upon Isleta a Pueblo 
village, and carried off a large number of animals. Are these things 
never to be remedied ? Give me the authority and means and I will 
remedy it. I have not time to say more, and 
have the honor to be 

Your Obedient Servant, 

J. S. Calhoun 

Hon Luke Lea 

C OTnmissioner of Indian Affairs 

Washington City 
D. C. 

[Inclosures.] 

A. 

TO THE PEOPLE OF NEW MEXICO. 

Fellow- Citizens : We, a portion of your fellow-citizens, interested 
alike in the welfare of our common country, desiring its advance- 
ment and the development of its resources, respectfully address you 
in relation to the political affairs of our Territory at this time. We 
desire that you may be fully, frankly and candidly advised as to the 
state of Politics now existing, in order that you may judge for your- 



COEEESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 371 

selves, whether you will sustain the present administration of your 
Gobernatorial affairs, or go with us in opposition to the mal-admin- 
istration and abuse of power by your present Executive. 

We submit to you a platform of principles upon which we expect 
to stand. We unfurl our banner, confident, that upon it is inscribed 
Justice and the Rights of the people. Beneath this banner and by 
our principles, we are willing to stand or fall. Let us submit to 
your consideration the principles of our political party, and the rea- 
sons and motives that influence us thus to array ourselves in opposi- 
tion to the present dominant party in this Territory. Our opposi- 
tion is not factious, but is founded in justice and forced upon us by 
the abuse and usurpation of power on the part of your present 
Executive. At the time of his inauguration, many of us, who are 
signers of this address, were not only his political friends, but desired 
to sustain him in his public acts, in all things consistent with the 
powers delegated to him as your Governor, and were at last only 
driven from his support by the utter and total disregard upon his 
part of either the wishes of the people or the powers conferred upon 
him. We confidently^ believe that his sole aim has been to build up 
a political party that would secure the election of a certain indi- 
vidual as your delegate to Congress, and that the whole power and 
influence of his office has been prostituted from what was its proper 
end and aim to the securing of this object. Your feelings and 
interests have not been consulted in regard to removals from or 
appointments to office. But these removals and appointments have 
been made solely with an eye to the person who could bring the most 
political strength to sustain his political friend in the approaching 
election for Delegate to Congress. The very best and most trust- 
worthy of your officers have been removed to make place for political 
partizans. The Prefect of the Countj^ of Rio Arriba, as we are 
informed and believe, was removed without any complaint or charge 
against him as an officer, being made by the citizens of the said 
county. No charge of mal-aclministration against him as a Prefect. 
But because he was independent and could not be used for party 
purposes as a tool of the Governor, he has been prescribed. The 
Prefect of the County of San Miguel, than whom no officer within 
the borders of your Territory sustained a higher reputation for 
efficiency and impartiality in the discharge of his duties too, has 
been removed and prescribed to make place for a political partizan, 
and this too has been done without a petition from a single citizen 
of the County of San Miguel, or a charge of mal-administration on 
his part from any quarter. An Alcalde of the town of Galisteo, in 
the County of Santa Fe, was removed against the known wishes of 
the citizens resident in that place as expressed both by a public meet- 



372 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

ing and by petition from the people, desiring that he be retained. 
But this removal too was necessary for political purposes, without 
regard to the expressed wishes of the people of Galisteo, but by the 
representation of two of the Governors emisaries sent out as we be- 
lieve by his Excellency to enlighten the people upon their duties in 
the past election, neither of whom were residents of Galisteo or citi- 
zens of the United States. These are some of his acts in relation to 
removals and appointments, and we are well satisfied that a recur- 
rence to the history of his removals and appointments will show 
that the same motives and influences have actuated him almost uni- 
versally ; a total disregard of your feelings, wishes and interests, and 
an eye solely to the accomplishment of his beloved and cherished 
object. That he has interfered with the Judiciary of your country, 
we now proceed to show. A short time after his inauguration, he 
requested the resignation of two of your Circuit Judges, because 
they Avere political opponents of his Excellency's candidate for Con- 
gress, and because some two or three individuals who had important 
suits pending, desired their resignation. The individual or indi- 
viduals who asked the resignation of one of the Judges was thought 
to belong to a family of great influence in this Territory, and thus 
to secure this influence, your Circuit Judges must stand aside. 

And in the case of the only remaining Circuit Judge viz : the 
Judge of the Southern Circuit, he has given instructions and opin- 
ions that the official acts of the said Judge were null and of no effect. 
Thus has your whole Judiciary been swept from under you — to 
gratify caprice, revenge or ambition. These acts deserve the con- 
demnation of every impartial reflecting person in this Territory. The 
rights of parties to suits have been made to abide and be controlled by 
the will of your GoA^ernor. The rights of parties in your Courts has 
thus been taken possession of : an usurpation unknown and unheard of 
in the annals of civilized civil government. Prisoners are accumulat- 
ing daily in your Jails at a heavy expense to the different counties, 
or are to be turned loose upon the community to commit" anew their 
crimes, and some who have been imprisoned for some length of 
time, are now entitled to a discharge without a trial, and will soon 
be let loose upon the community. The right of the Judges vA\o have 
exercised these functions we are not now to decide; that is for a 
hioher and different tribunal, but at the same time, we say that the 
decision and settlement of this question by your Governor was an act 
of usurpation on his part, unwarranted and dangerous to your 
liberties. We now appeal to you. We ask you, Avhat remedy or 
where is the tribunal to adjust your rights? and what remedy or 
where is the tribunal to punish offenders against your property, your 
persons, your houses, or any of your sacred rights: swallowed up 



COERESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 373 

and desh-oyed by the remorseless and unsatisfied ambition of one who 
IS willing to sink your whole interests to secure his political objects. 
We now call your attention to other acts of his, show^ing tlie same 
disregard of the obligations resting upon him as your Governor. 
He has presumed to alter your Organic Law giving to you a Civil 
Territorial Government; not satisfied to make edicts, proclamations 
and decrees not given to him by virtue of his office, he has assumed 
to himself not only to make Laws here, but has altered the Organic 
Law of this Teritory, made and given to us by the Congress of the 
United States. By Art. 6th of said Organic Law, it is prescribed 
who are qualified voters of this Teritory. Among other qualifica- 
tions is the one " That persons resident in the Territory, at the time 
of the passage of the said Organic Act, should be entitled to vote in 
your elections.'' By Proclamation of his Excellency of date of 
he says, that persons resident in the County, not 
Territory alone, should be entitled to vote. From whence did he 
derive the authority to substitute County for Territory, and to amend 
your Organic Law? Wlio gave him power to alter one word or 
sentence of your Organic Law? We say to him, that our Organic 
Law is our Constitution, that though not perfect in all its details, we 
are determined to stand by it as it is handed to us by the Congress 
of the United States — until by them altered. We say to him, that in 
that law, his duties are defined. That by that act he must be gov- 
erned in the discharge of his duties, that he must not presume to 
blur or blot one article upon its page, that we hold him as we hold 
the other officers of this Government, whose duties are defined by the 
Organic Law to the letter of the instrument, and that for an usurpa- 
tion or infraction of any of the rights guaranteed to us by that in- 
strument, we hold them responsible to the people. In his annual 
message to the Legislature, he has recommended an interference with 
the vested rights of parties. In relation to the Pueblo Indians now, 
and for a long time resident among you, he has presumed to dictate 
a policy that is calculated to disfranchise them of their rights if 
they had them, either as citizens or residents of the Territory. He 
says, " that he cannot recommend an union of them as citizens, but 
it is inevitable — they must be made slaves, (dependents,) equals, or 
an early removal to a better location for them and our people." We 
say to our Pueblo friends, that whatever rights were guaranteed to 
them when they became residents of this Territory under the Mexi- 
can Government, are still secured to them. That it is not the pur- 
pose or intention of the Government of the United States to take 
from them one jot or tittle of their rights; that our Government holds 
the rights of all living under the broad fold of its banner as sacred ; 
that her treaties are inviolable, and that if our Pueblo friends had 



374 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

rights, either as citizens or as owners of the soil under the Mexican 
Government, that right is still secured to them, that it is not the 
intention of the Government of the United States, nor has the legis- 
lature and Governor of the Territor}^, if they desired so to do, the 
power to make slaves, (dependents) of them, or to remove them 
quickly to an}" other location against their will. By the language of 
another portion of his message, he is endeavoring to excite an angry 
discussion in the States of the Union, that is calculated to raise a 
strong and influential party in the Congress against us. He has 
presumed to say that the entire society where free negroes are tol- 
erated is degraded. Fellow-citizens, the question of slavery has been 
a vexed and dangerous one in the States for a number of years. 
That question has been the cause why the civil and political rights 
due to you for the last four years has been withheld from you, and 
now, when that question has been settled and taken away from the 
Legislature, your Governor is exciting a discussion that must result 
in injury to you. 

These are some of the reasons that influence us to array ourselves 
against the dominant party in this Territory. If we have spoken 
plainly we feel that the circumstances by which we are surrounded 
justify us. We ask, are you prepared tamely thus to submit to these 
things and not raise your voices in behalf of the People. If you 
are prepared to fold your arms, and quietly submit to the usurpa- 
tions already assumed, but a short time will elapse before you will 
be called upon to submit to others, and ere long not a vestige of your 
Eights will be left. We call upon you to joint, us in our efforts to 
maintain the Rights of the People. We call upon you to speak, and 
as freemen unite and refuse to sustain any one that upholds the 
present Executive in his assault on your Rights. If you are true to 
yourselves Justice will secure to you all your Rights untarnished. 
The wise, good and patriotic, in every portion of your Territory, will 
flock to your Standard, and an universal triumph will be your 
reward. If you fail you will have the proud consciousness of having 
done your duty. 

Annexed is our Platform. 

1. An equal and just system of Taxation to support an economical 
administration of the Government. 

2. That the several departments of the Government shall be kept 
separate and distinct: non-interference on the part of the Executive 
with either the Judicial or Legislative Departments. 

3. In favor of a modification of the absolute Veto power now given 
to the Executive by the Organic Law. 

4. In favor of the election of the County and District oflScers by the 
people. 



COEKESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 



375 



5. Opposed to a State Government at this time, on account of the 



heavy burden of Taxation. 
Antonio Sandoval, 
Santiago Armijo, 
Julian Tenorio, 
Mariano Yrisarri, 
A. W. Keynolds, 
Antonio Jose Otero, 
J. S. T. Johnson, 
Wm. McGrorty, 
Ceran St. Vrain, 
J. L. Collins, 
J. M. Giddings, 
Juan Jose Sanchez, 
Francisco Ortizy Delgado 
Robert Brent, 



M. Ashurst, 
Hugh N. Smith, 
Serafino Ramirez 
Rafael Armijo. 
Diego Archuleta, 
Candido Ortiz, 
John R. Tullis, 
Alex. Duvall, 
Tho. R. McCutcheon 
E. J. Vaughn, 
Juan Cruz Baca, 
Wm. Curtis Skinner 
Tomas Ortiz. 
John Kelly, 
J. Houghton, 



Committee. 



B. 



MANIFEST ACION ACORDADA EN JUNTA AMISTOSA, COMPLESTA DE LOS .AILEM- 
BROS DE LA LEGISLATURA TERRITORIAL, PARA CONOCIMIENTO DE LOS 
HABITANTES DEL TERRITORIO. 



Conciudadanos, la gratitud y reconocimiento son sentimientos que 
jamas olvidara la representacion Territorial; los pueblos del Terri* 
torio, a la par han depositado su voluntad y su confianza en la esfera 
limitada de nuestros pequenos conocimientos ; la suerte prospera o 
desfavorable del pais, esta senalada por el sabio autor de las socie- 
dades, y secundariamente debe ser sistemada por la marcha con que 
camine nuestra primera Legislatura constitucional ; una correspon- 
dencia justa y edecuada a las circumstancias, ecsijeque vuestrosdeseos 
sean satisfechos; que vuestra condicion sea mejorada; que vuestros 
derechos sean iguales, y que sea asegurada la propiedad y la persona 
del debil, con las mismas preeminencias y prerogativas que las del 
opulento. 

Sabido es, que la ley debe ser universal, para patrocinar y protejer 
todas las clases, para desterrar de la sociedad el espiritu despotico, 
que regularmente se engendra por la arbitrariedad y por tendencias 
meramente particulares ; se va pues a dar la ley homogenea del 
pueblo de Nuevo Mejico, como base fundamental del edificio social, 
sin tener por objeto esclusivo, el engrandecimiento destructor de de- 
terminadas personas, y sin la mascara de miras mesquinas e infames 
de protejer parti dos. 



376 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

La iniparcialidad, la esperiencia, y el conocimiento practicamente 
ensayado de las iiecesidades del pais, seran los principios cardiiiales 
que adopte la Legislatiira, para el desempeno de una obra tan dificil e 
importante, que supera a sus limitados conocimientos ; pero si, des- 
cansa en la buena fe que la anima, y en la censura que sufran sus 
trabajos, cuando debidamente sean calificados por el publico. 

Ninguna materia presenta mas dificultad, que reunir las simpatias 
e inteligencias de una comunidad politica, cuando se halla atacada 
por la maledicencia de algunos hombres, bien conocidos por los 
colores de sus operaciones ; pues a la ves de conducir a los incautos por 
la via del progreso, maliciosamente se prevalen de sa ignorancia, para 
mal informarlos con cuentos ridiculos e imaginarios caracterisados de 
f:uj)ersticion, a fin de precipitarlos mas alia del Oceano del desprecio, 
o por mejor decir, al descenso de su ruina fatal. 

Compatriotas, un pequeno ecsamen, abrira, vuestros ojos, y una 
idea refleja y perspicaz, sera capas de quitar la mascara hipocrita que 
se presenta hoy a vuestra faz. 

El objeto deseado de los que se empenan a perturbar el equilibrio 
y reposo de la tranquilidad publica, es sembrar la semilla abominable 
de desconfianza, contra los miembros que habeis escogido para com- 
poner vuestra Legislatura ; ellos son obra de vuestra confianza y 
beneplacito, y sus labores futuras, quedaran sometidos, no solo a la 
aprobacion del Congreso General, sino tambien a la vuestra. 

El tiempo, es el tipo de los desenganos, asi como lo fue para dar a 
conocer la conducta semicivil, de la anterior administracion, que 
descuido los intereses sagrados de su inspeccion, convirtiendo en 
ludibrio sus actos, bajo la influencia de la autoridad militar. Triste 
caso, que recordar para las paginas de la historia en el siglo de las 
luces! y mucho mas triste, cuando se observan vigentes las mismas 
pre-ocupaciones, y los medios y suterfugios de que se valen, para pro- 
curar una victoria sonada que conseguida, realsaria a sus autores al 
apogel que perdieron. 

La liberalidad del Gobierno Supremo, esta dispuesta para protejer 
y mejorar nuestras circunstancia ; la ley organica que nos ha creado y 
declarado capaces de constituirnos bajo la forma de gobierno territo- 
rial, debe ser para vosotros y para las generaciones futuras, un monu- 
mento de perpetua memoria ; ella declara en sus secciones 5 y 6, que 
los indios no tienen derecho para votar, por lo mismo, tienen supri- 
mida la escala de ciudadania como menores de edad ; la misma aclara- 
cion esta bien demostrada en las instrucciones que el Gobierno Su- 
premo ha comunicado al Yntendente de Yndios de pueblo; cuyos 
derechos de ciudadanos tambien se renunciaron por los mismos 
Yndios el ano pasado en el mes de Julio. Sus tratados son una 
prueba autentica de esta verdad. He aqui la evidencia incuestiona- 



COERESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 377 

ble para que entendamos claramente, que los Yndios de pueblo no 
fueron escluidos de ciudadanos por voluntad del Senor Gobernador 
Territorial, ni tampoco por la Legislatura actul, sino por un acto del 
Soberano Congreso de la Union. 

Ahora pues, a que vienen las duras j gratuitas esclamaciones que 
hieren nuestros oidos y penetran el ayre para ser escuchadas? Si 
nos compadesemos ciertamente de esta clase digna de mejorar su 
condicion actual; procuremos declarar nuevamente su espontanea 
voluntad; consultemos los medios mas asequibles y racionales, para 
que los pobres Yndios procedan con inteligencia y libertad, omitiendo 
inferirles la violencia, el engano fraudulento, y el juego de voces 
seductoras, para dar un lugarsito a la sana razon sin agravio de la 
justicia.- 

La posesion que los Yndios tienen en sus terrenos y demas propie- 
dades, es inviolable; la Legislatura entiende que jamas se tocara por 
ninguna autoridad el sagrado derecho de posesion que ellos retienen 
por justo titulo; a no ser que los Yndios, voluntariamente traspasen 
sus derechos, por la via de contratos. 

Si por una fortuna (que sera bien lisongeada) los Yndios se com- 
prometen solemnemente a componer la comunidad politica de nuestro 
Territorio, bajo las condiciones de igualdad con los demas ciudadanos, 
el problema quedara resuelto; y entonces el ocurso de la Legislatui-a, 
debe ser un memorial peticionario al Gobierno Supremo, para que 
los Yndios gocen de la ciudadania que tenian antes en el Gobierno 
de Mejico, siendo declarados por la autoridad competente. 

La injusta alarma que ha causa do en los incautos, el mensage de 
S. E. el Senor Gobernador, cuando habla de los Yndios en la pagina 5, 
es considerar su materia sin acatamiento a los varios conceptos que 
pone a deliberacion de la Legislatura, o por mejor decir, con olvido 
al respeto de una sana logica, interrumpida por miras misteriosas y 
rastreras, que baticinan los profetas que las inducen; pues es claro, 
y clarisimo, que el mensage no tiene caracter de ley, por lo mismo, 
las camaras pueden o no conformarse con la materia que contiene. 

Conciudadanos, no menos repugnante y nocivas son las imputa- 
ciones siniestras que hacen a la Legislatura, los enemigos de la verdad ; 
afirman como criterio, que el poder que retenemos por voluntad 
vuestra, lo hemos de traicionar, delegandolo en S, E. el Gobernador, 
para que sin consultar otra voluntad que la suya, nombre todo el ramo 
de la administracion de justicia, que corresponde a los diferentes 
condados del Territorio; falsedacl inanidita que sera desmentida un 
dia no muy distante: pues dcseamos que el Pueblo y solo el Pueblo, 
nombre a sus correspondientes autoridades que le sean asignadas 
por la ley, y le merezcan su aprobacion y confianza. 

Nos preciamos, conciudadanos, de poscer sentimientos verdadera- 
mente republicanos y conformes con nuestros deseos, haremos lo 



378 COEEESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

posible en testimonio justo de niiestras intenciones, la imparcialidad 
sera la di^asa que coronara la grande obra de niiestros trabajos. 

Antonio Jose Marlines, Florentine Castillo, 

Vicente Martines, George Gold, 

Jose Manuel Gallegos, Esquipula Bigil, 

Jose Francisco Leyva, Hilario Gonzales, 

Seledonio Valdes, Mig. Sena y Quintana, 

Jose Perea, Juan Torres, 

Miguel Sena y Eomero, S. M. Baird 

J. F. Ortis, Pascual Martines, 

Juan Cristoval Chaves, Dionicio Gonzales, 

Antonio J. Ortis, Eiaymundo Cordova, 

Teodoro Wlieaton, Francisco iVnto. Otero, 

F. T. Cabesa de Baca, Jose Andres Sandoval, 

Geronimo Jaramillo, Diego Salasar, 

Jose Eamon Vigil, Miguel Mascarena. 
Jose Pablo Gallegos, 

Santa Fe, Junio 13 de 1851. 

List of property left in the quarters of the Cumanche Indians on 
the night of the 29th of May 1851. 

2 Indian Horses. 
11 Mules. 
13 Saddles. 

9 Bridles. 

47 Saddle Skins. 
5 Lariets. 
• 13 Pack Strops. 

10 Riding Whips. 
4 Buffalo Robes. 
7 Blankets. 

21 Provision Sacks. 

2 Knives and Scabbards. 

1 Quiver for Arrows. 

1 Brass Kettle (full of Coffee) 

1 Wooden Bowl. 

1 Segar Case. 

1 Rifle. 

1 Powder & Shot pouch. 

4 Pilloncillos of S'ugar. 

A lot of Tobacco in plugs and papers for smoking. 

About 20 loaves of Bread. 

1 Hind leg of Mutton & the ribs of three sides Venison. 

2 peices making 1^ 5c Star Candles. 

Jno. G. Jones 

P. R. TULLY 



COKRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 379 

[CALHOUN TO LEA/] 

EXECUTI\'E DePART^IENT 

Santa Fe, New Mexico 

Juhj 1st. 1851 
Sir, 

My accounts, as Superintendent of Indian Affairs, for the four 
last months, ending on yesterday, June 30th. are now forwarded to 
you — The amount expended is $1241.56, and to pay it I have drawn 
on the Department, in favor of Wm. S. McNight for the precise 
amount. My House rent is yet unpaid, and there may be a few small 
accomits overlooked in the hurry of preparing my returns — Nor is 
my Salary included — Let them be speedily adjusted — 
I have the honor to be • 

Your obedient Servant 

J S Calhoun 
Hon. L. Lea 

Comr. Ind. Affs. 

Washington City 

D.G 

[CALHOUN TO LEA.^"] 

Executive Department 

Santa Fe, New Mexico 

July 1st. 1851. 
Sir, 

I have this moment received information that the Comanches vis- 
ited Anton Chico and La Cuesta on the 2Tth and 28th of last month, 
declaring their purposes to be good, and their admiration of Ameri- 
cans — It is supposed there were three hundred warriors, and they 
stated they were en route for the Navajo Country, for the purpose of 
a tvar with that tribe — On leaving the places named above they wan- 
tonly committed various depredations, by killing stock for which 
they had no use, and driving off others. No personal injury to a 
citizen was inflicted, but some were rudely treated Col. Alexander, 
from Vegas, sent troops to the points named; and Col. Munroe is 
noA> issuing orders designed to repel and chastise the Indians if dis- 
covered. 

The people below San Miguel are in great consternation, and they 
call upon me for assistance^ for protection., and / am without author- 
ity or means. 



1 O. I. A., New Mexico Supy., N 125. 

2 O. I. A., New Mexico Supy., N 126 ; Annual Report Commissioner Indian Afifalrs, 1851, 
pp. 198-199. 



380 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

I send this by express to overtake the mail that left for the States 
this morning. 

Very respectfully 

J. S. Calhoun 
Hon. L. Lea 

Gomr. Ind. Affs 

[NESBIT AND PARKER TO CALHOUN.'] 

To his Excellency, 

James S. Calhoun 

Governor of New Mexico 
Sir 

I deem it my duty to inform you of certain transactions that have 
taken place in the neighbourhood of Santa Fe within the last two 
days. 

It is known to you I presume that myself and Mr Hiram Parker, 
have taken the contract to furnish the Quartermasters Department 
with hay for the ensuing year, and that on account of the excessive 
dryness of the season, there was no possible chance of procuring the 
Hay, except in what is known as the " Grande Biah," some forty 
Miles from here — and for the purpose of filling said contract we pur- 
chased of Mr P Tully his train of Mule wagons, and were accordingly 
actively engaged in our opperations having commenced the delivery 
of hay — when upon the night before last or on that of the Second of 
July, inst there were a large band of Navajoe Indians, supposed to 
be from two hundred and fifty to three hundred in all — made an 
attack upon our camp and corral, the house in which we lived being 
built of logs as a block house and forming a part of one side of the 
corral, which was also built of logs in the most substantial manner — 
a the accompanying affidavits and certificates will show — The attack 
was made on the night of the 2nd inst. about one oclock, the night 
being very Dark it having rained during the afternoon and forepart 
of the night, and was still drissling so that it was almost impossible 
for the two men on guard to see twenty steps from where they were 
walking so that the first Salutation or intimation they had of the 
approach of the Indians was an arrow Shot into the neck of one of 
the Sentinels with a Yell and a Shower of Arrows the sentinal fired 
his Gun and gave the alarm, when all hands sprang to their feet and 
arms and commenced a defence, but by this time the house and entire 
corrall were completely surrounded by the Indians and on three sides 

1 O. I. A., New Mexico Supy., N. 134. Enclosure of Calhoun to Lea, July 25, 1851. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 381 

of the house keeping up a continual fight with our men, while another 
portion of the Indians were endeavouring to pull down the corrall 
which they Succeeded in doing in about tAvo hours or a little after 
three oclock when they ran off all the Animals being over one hun- 
dred head, seventy nine of the number belonged to myself (Robert 
Nesbit) and Hiram R. Parker and three pair of Match horses belong- 
ing to me, (R. N) which I had just brought from the United States, 
making eighty five Animals — the balance of the animals belonged to 
cither individuals who had sent them out to graze among those per- 
sons were Capt A. W. Reynolds, James E. Sabine and Joseph Hirsch, 
&c, &c, who no doubt will report the same to your Excellency in due 
time 

We would therefore respectfully request your Excellency to be kind 
enough to inform us how to procede for the purpose of recoA^ering 
our property as the loss of so many mules may not only involve our- 
seh^es in ruin but may also be the means of involving our Securities. 

As Soon as we can get our evidence collected as to the circumstances 
of the case and the damage Ave have and w^ill sustain by the loss of 
so many Animals it shall be laid before your Excellency. 

All of which is respectfully Submitted to the consideration of 
your Excellency 

Very Respectfully 

Your Obt SerA^ants 

Robert Nesbit 
Signed 

Hiram. R. Parker 

[SUMNER TO CALHOUN.'] 

Head Quarters, 9th Deft : 

Santa Fe Jidy 20,^ '51. 

His Excel. J. S. Calhouiv, 
Sir. 

I have received your two lettei's dated this day. I thank you 
for the co-operation afforded in the first: With regard to the latter, 
I regret that I do not feel authorized to issue any rations to the 
civil prisoners of this territory. 

1 a. G. O., vol. 8, Department of New Mexico, p. 7. 

- Sumner had arrived at Santa Fe just tlie day before. See Sumner to Bliss. 



382 COKRE^PONDENCE OP JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

The appropriations for army subsistence is distinct from all others, 
and no one has authority to direct these supplies to any other pur- 
poses. 

I am Sir Very respectfully, 
Your Obt. Servt. 

E V Sumner^ 
Bvt: Col: U. S. A. 

Comdg: Dept: 

Santa Fe 



[Related Correspondence.] 
[sUMNER TO BLISS.^] 

Head Quarters 9th Dept. 

Fort Union, near Moro River 

August 3d 1851. 
Sib; 

I have the lionor to report, tliat in consequence of tlie cholera, and afterwax'ds 

(very much) 
the extraordinary drought, both of which impeded my march I did 

not reach Santa Fe until the 19th Ulto. I assumed command on that day. and 
immediately transferred the Head Quarters, and principal Depots to this place. 
I deemed it very important to have the Depot each of Santa Fe and directly on 
the line of communication with Missouri, as it gives me more direct conti'oul, 
over all the affairs of the Department. 

I have broken up the posts of Las Vegas and Rayado. as this post makes them 
unnecessary, and they were very expensive, especially the latter. 

I intend to abandon Alburquerque, Ablquin, Toas, and Socorro, and establish 
two larger posts, one at Valvarde on the Rio Grande, and the other at some 
point in the mountains, in the Utah and Apache Country. 

I shall march into the Navajo Country, on the 15th instant with 4 companies 
of horse, 3 of Infantry, and one of Artillery — It is my intention to establish a 
post of five companies, in that country, under the command of Major Backus. 



1 B. V. Sumner had already acquired a considerable knowledge of frontier conditions. 
As early as 1837-38 he had figured in Indian history in connection with the making of 
an excursion into the Osage country. (See Osage Files, A 292.) In 1856 he made him- 
self obnoxious to the Free-State men of Kansas by dispersing, at the head of his 
dragoons, and under special orders from President Pierce, the Topeka Legislature (Kans 
Hist. Colls., Ill: 439, IV: 450). For information relative to his appointment to the 
command of the Ninth Military Department, see letters on pp. 383-384. 

2 A. G. O., Old Book, No. 4, pp. 225-22G. 



CORRESPONDENCE Or JAMES S. CALHOUN. 383 

It gives me great pleasure to state that the intercourse between Col. Munroe 
and myself, has been of the most friendly nature, and the information I have 
received from him, has been of great assistance to me in forming my plans. 
Very respectfully 

Your obt Servt 

Sigd E. V. SiJMNJER 

Bvt Col: U. 8. A. 

Comdy Dept. 
Lt. Col : W. W. S. Bliss, 

Asst. Adjt Genl: 

Head Quarters Westn. Divn 

Neio Orleans 
La: 

[CONKAD TO SUMNER.^] 

War Department 
Wasliington April I, JS-yJ. 
Sumner, Colonel E. V. 

1st Dragoons, 

St. Louis, 

Missouri. 
Sib, 

You have been selected to take the cominand of the Ninth military depart- 
ment, and will repair to it as early as practicable. 

It is believed that material changes ought to be made in that Department, 
both with a view to a more etficient protection of the country and to a diminu- 
tion of expense. 

You will, therefore, immediately on assuming the command, revise the whole 
system of defense — you will examine particularly whether the posts now occu- 
pied by the troops are the most suitable, and, if not, will make such changes as 
you may deem advisable. 

In the selection of posts, s'ou will be governed mainly by the following 
considerations, viz : 

1st. The protection of New Mexico. 

2d. The defense of the Mexican Territory, which we are bound to protect 
against the Indians within our borders. 

3d. Economy and facility in supporting the troops, particularly in regard to 
forage, fuel and adaptation of the surrounding country to cultivation. 

The Department is induced to believe, that both economy and efficiency of 
the service would be promoted by removing the troops out of the towns where 
they are now stationed, and stationing them more towards the frontier and 
nearer to the Indians. 

From all the information that has reached the Department, it is induced to 
believe, that no permanent peace can exist with the Indians, and no treaty will 
be regarded by them until they have been made to feel the power of our Arms. 
You will, therefore, as early as practicable, make an expedition against the 
Navajoes, and, also, one against the Utahs and Apaches, and inflict upon them 
a severe chastisement. If you should succeed in capturing any of them, you 
will retain them as hostages for the faithful observance of any treaty that may 
be made with them. 



1 A. G. 0., M. B., No. 31, pp. 148-149. 



384 COERESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

In all negotiations and pacific arrangements with tlie Indians, you will act in 
concert with the Superintendent of Indian Affairs in New Mexico, whom you 
will allow to accompany you in the expeditions into the Indian territory, if he 
should deem it proper to do so, and to whom you will afford every facility for 
the discharge of his duties. 

Instructions will be given by the De])artniont of the Interior to the Superin- 
tendent and Agents, in all their transactions with the Indians, to act in con- 
sultation and concert with the military authorities. 

You will use every effort to reduce the enormous expenditures of the Army in 
New Mexico, i^articularly in the Quarter Master's and Subsistence Depart- 
ments — you will scrutinize the administration of these Departments, and will 
rigidly enforce all regulations having reference to the economy of the service. 

It is believed that the number of employees may be diminished without 
inconvenience to the service, and that material changes may be made in the 
ration, whereby its cost may be reduced without interfering with the health 
or comfort of the soldiers. You are authorized to make all such changes as 
you may deem advisable. 

For the purpose of enabling you to execute tlie General Order No 1 (current 
series) you will be supplied with such seed, agricultural implements &c as you 
may require. 

In carrying out these measures and such others as your own judgment may 
hereafter suggest, you will exercise a larger discretion than would be allow- 
able where the communication between the Commander and the Department is 
more frequent and more rapid. 

Very respectfully, Your Obt Serv 

C M. Conrad, 
Secretary of War. 

[lea to wingfield ^] 

Dkp.\btment of the Interiok, 

Office Indi.vn Affairs, 

April 15 1851 
Wingfield Esq Ed^. H 

Greenshoro, Greene Co 

Georgia 
Sir: 

Your ofiieial bond, s;itisfactoi-ily executed, enclosed in the letter of Hon W C 
Dawson, of the 6th inst, has been received 

I have understood that Col. E V. Sumner 1st Regt. U S Dnigoons in command 
of a detachment of troops contemplates leaving Fort Leavenwortli, Mo for 
Santa Fe, as early as the 1st proximo, if practicable. The Department is de- 
sirous that the agents shall reacli their posts in New Mexico as early as pvossi- 
ble, and it will be better therefore tliat you proceed at once to Fort Leaven- 
worth, and avail yourself of this opportunity as the other agents design doing 
to proceed to Santa Fe. 

A remittance of $1000 will at once be made to you from the Treasury with 
which you will be charged <& held accountable under the following heads of 
appropriation viz : 

Pjesents to Indians $500 

" Current expenses Ind Dei)t." "500 

1 O. L A., L. B., No. 44, p. 311. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 385 

The first amount is for tbe purchase of suitable articles as presents for the 
Indians within your agency, and the evidence of the delivery of the same must 
accompany your accounts. The second amount is for the payment of your 
travelling expenses to your post in New Mexico, and in all cases when practica- 
ble you will obtain receipts for all such payments: when impracticable, you 
will keep an account of the same to be rendered with your accounts upon your 
oertificate of honor. 

Very respectfully Your obt Servt 

L Lea 

Comr. 

[lea TO GREINER ^] 

Department of the Interior 

Office Indian Affairs 

April 15. 1851 
Greiner Esq John 

Columbus 
Ohio 
Sir: 

Tour letter of the 11th instant, enclosing your official bond, satisfactorily 
executed, as agent for the Indians in New Mexico, has been received 

In reply to the questions contained in your letter. I state, that should you 
think proper to draw in favor of some other person on this office, for tlie 
amount of your salary, as it becomes due quarterly, or any portion thereof, by 
notifying tliis office of the fact of your having made such disposition of it, the 
amount will be paid wheiK it is due, on the presentation of the drafts. No 
advance of salary, however, can be made to you. 

The Department is desirous that the agents shall reach their posts in New 
Mexico, as early as possible, and you will therefore make your arrangements 
to proceed at once to Fort Leavenworth, Mo. and if possible in time to accom- 
pany the detachment of troops under Col. E V Sumner, 1st Regt U S Dragoons 
leaving on the 1st proximo for Santa Fe. 

A remittance of $1000. will at once be made to you from the Treasury, with 
which you will be charged and held accountable under the following heads of 
appropriation, viz : 

" Presents to Indians " $500 

" Current expenses Ind Dept " "500 
The first amount is for the purchase of suitable articles as presents for the 
Indians within your agency, and the evidence of the delivery of the same must 
accompany your accounts. The second amount, is for the payment of your 
travelling expenses to your post in New Mexico, and in all cases when practi- 
cable, you will obtain receipts for all such payments; when impracticable, you 
will keep an account of the same, to be renderd with your accounts, upon your 
certificate of honor. 

Very resi^ectfully 

Tour obt Servt 

L Lea 

Comr. 

1 O. I. A., L. B., No. 44, p. 312. 

5021—15 25 



386 COKRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

[MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATURE TO CALHOUN.'] 

With Governor Calhoun's letter of the 1st of October. 

To His Excellency the Governor. 

The undersigned desiring to see a cessation of the uninterrupted 
calamities which afflict the Territory of New Mexico have the honor 
of addressing Your Excellenc}^ Avith the greatest respect, reminding 
Y. E. of circumstances which have transpired during the last eighteen 
years and the dreadful evils of war which have been inflicted upon 
us by the savage Indians, especially the Navajoes 

Your memorialists, members of the Legislature, cannot help refer- 
ring to previous years, for the purpose of explanation. From the 
3^ears 1830 to 1834 the country presented a wonderful state of pros- 
perity, consisting of large herds of sheep and cattle roaming over 
ihe vast and extensive plains and numbering over a million and a 
half of heads, not less than twenty five thousand head of cattle, and 
over fifteen thousand horses and mules, without mentioning other 
animals, affording a large commerce with the United States and the 
Republic of Mexico. 

The undersigned now compare that period with the present, and 
with unmistakable feelings, feel authorized to call the attention of all 
true patriots, and that of Y. E. to the lamentable fact. 

To prove these facts it is only necessary to refer to the last census, 
from which may be seen that at the present time New Mexico does 
not possess one tenth of the property she owned in previous years, 
it has been swept away as by an impetuous torrent, our prosperity 
has been converted into misfortune, and the present miserable condi- 
tion of New Mexico, is the fatal result of the misfortune which has 
taken place, paralyzing every branch of industry to the greatest 
degree, and being the cause of continued murders and the taking of 
a number of captives, the Indians, have with impunity carried off 
nearly all the property owned in New Mexico. 

It is unfortunately true in regard to New Mexico that its abitrary 
Governors and Dictators paid no attention whatever to the remon- 
strances of the people, as they were without a legal constitution upon 
Avhich to base their claims. We are now, to a certain extent, capable 
of deliberating upon the welfare of our Country. Your Memorial- 
ists sincerely hope Your Excellency's favorable attention will be de- 
voted to garrisoning the frontiers of our country, so as to restrain 
and prevent the incursions of the savages who surround us. 

Your Memorialists, taking into consideration the common welfare 
of the country, beg leave to designate the following as frontier points. 
Tunicha, in the Navajo mountains, the river San Juan in the vecinity 

1 Enclosure of Calhoun to Webster, October 1, 1851. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 387 

of Abiquin and Taos, the Rito de Los Pinos in the vecinity of Zuni, 
Cebolleta and Socorro, the Eio Colorado in the vecinity of Moro, 
Vegas and San Miguel del Bado, the river Pecos at the Bosque 
Grande, and on the South, a river running at the foot of the White 
Mountains. These six points are the most important and prominent 
for the entrance and departure of the Savage Indians, who have com- 
jnitted so many hostilities, and consumed the substance of the Terri- 
tory. They demand the attention and activity of the Government, 
and we earnestly pray that it may extend its true and patriotic pro- 
lection over us. and occupy the above mentioned points with the 
forces deemed necessary, so that the settlements of New Mexico may 
be protected, and the people again recover the immense losses they 
liave sustained by reason of the dangers to which they have been 
txposed. and the great changes and constant dryness of the weather. 

Having mentioned the principal causes of our misfortunes, the 
undersigned, desiring to be supplied with the means of obtaining 
relief from the enemy, respectfully pray Your Excellency to take 
into consideration the propriety of giving the people of the Terri- 
tory the authority to raise volunteer companies, against the invaders, 
distributing among the parties, in proportion to their numbers, an 
equal share of all the Captives, and other spoils that may be taken 
from them, under the direction of a leader appointed from among 
themselves, with the powers that may be deemed most necessary 

These being our sincere desires, we respectfully pray Your Excel- 
lency to adopt those measures that may be deemed expedient, to 
remedy the evils with which we are oppressed. 

Santa Fe Juhj 9th 1851. 
Signed 

Celedonio Valdes. Juan Crisobal Chaves, Jose' Andres Sandoval, 
Antonio Jose' Ortiz, Francisco Antonio Otero. Diego Salazar, Flor- 
entine Castillo. Miguel Sena i Romero, Juan Jose' Shanchez, Hilario 
Gonzales, Juan Cruz Baca, Jose' Pablo Gallegos, Geronimo Jaramillo, 
Pascual Martinez, Escapula Vigil, George Gold, Juan Torres, Dionisio 
Gonzalez, Raymundo Cordova. Miguel Mascarena, William Curtis 
Skinner. S. M. Baird, Francisco Tomas Cabeza de Baca, Antonio 
Jose' Martinez. Tomas Ortiz. Vicente Martinez. 
Translators Office. 

July Wth 1851. 
Whiting 



388 CORRESPONDENCE OP JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

[CALHOUN TO LEA.'] 

1st of this date 

Executive Department 
Santa Fe', New Mexico 

J>dy 25, 1851 
Sir, 

There is an error in the addition of my accounts as transmitted to 
you on the 1st day of the present month. Instead of $1241.56, the 
amounts add up $1441.56, and is the amount for which I drew. There 
are, perhaps, one or more errors, such as using Territorial instead of 
United States Vouchers. These errors arose from the immense 
nmount of labor, that I am daily compelled to perform. / ouglit to 
he alloiued a Secretary. 
I am, 

With great respect, 

Your obedient Servant. 

James vS. Calhoun 
Hon: L. Lea, 
Comr. of Ind. A/fs. 

Washington City, 
D. C. 

[CALHOUN TO LEA.*] 

Second of this date 

Executive Department 

Santa Fe', New MExrro 

Jidy 25th 1851. 
Sir, 

Agitators are yet attempting to excite the Pueblo Indians by 
misrepresentations, and outrages upon their rights — The arrival of 
our Judges, and two of our Indian Agents. Weightman and Greiner. 
will afford to the public considerable protection against the disorders 
ilesigned by evil disposed persons. At one time, the peril was great, 
and to prevent an outbreak, heavy, and perhaps, unauthorized ex- 
penditures were incurred, and the Department must pass upon them 
according to its authority and sense of Justice. 

^ O. I. A.. New Mexico Sup^., N. 130. 

« O. I. A., New Mexico Sup^., N 134 ; Report Commissioner Indian Affairs, 1851, pp. 
i99-200. 



COEEESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 389 

Apaches. 

Col. St Vrain came from Taos on yesterday, and says the Jiccar- 
rillas are entirely quiet, and he knows of no depredations they havf 
committed since they entered into the Apache treaty. 

Gomanches, 

concerning whom I wrote you on the 1st day of this month, crossed 
(he country from La Cuesta towards the Navajo region, by way of 
the Pueblo of Santa Domingo — They ultimately bore South, and 
passed near Cibolletta, and promised a visit to the Commandant of 
that post, which they omitted to pay but continued their course South 
and South east, and finally recrossed the Del Norte in the neighbor- 
hood of Alburquerque, and returned to their accustomed locality near 
the Bosque Redondo, Avithout committing outrages of any kind, ex- 
cept the killing of such animals as they desired for food. A Pueblo 
Indian, in whom I repose the greatest confidence, and who has don? 
me good service for months past, Carlos Vigil, returned from tlio 
Comanclie country two days ago, reports all quiet, and gives it as 
his opinion, they are decidedly peacefully purposed — 

Navajos 

have committed several murders and depredations during the 
month. They surprised a number of Mexicans about the 1st of this 
iuonth, who were in search of animals run off by Navajos, killed eight 
men and wounded eleven others. At the request of Nesbit and 
Parker I transmit to you, their statement of depredations committed 
by Navajos. 

About the 1st of this month, near the Pueblo of Laguna, the 
Navajos killed three men, and caused every thing to be burnt up to 
be found in camp — The murdered men were Americans, engaged in 
complying with a Government Contract for Hay. 

The Utahs, 

I have reason to beleive are submissive, patiently Avaiting to see 
what our Government will do with them, and for them. 
I am. 

With great respect, 

Your obedient Servant 



J. S. Calhoun 



Hon : L. Lea 

Comr. Ind. Afs. 

Washington City, 

D.G. 



390 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

[CALHOUN TO LEA.'] 

ExECUTrv'E Department 
Santa Fe', New Mexico 

Juhj 28th. 1851 
Sir, 

During the month of March last, a feud, arising from antago- 
nistical claims to certain lands, was near resulting in a war between 
the Pueblos of Acoma and Laguna, and I deemed it necessary to 
interfere, and as I could not leave the seat of Government at that 
time, I employed the Hon. John R. TuUis to visit said Pueblos, and 
adjust their claims, if possible — He done so to my entire satisfac- 
tion, although the dispute is again assuming a threatening aspect. 

Mr TuUis was engaged about fifteen days in that service, and asks, 
as pay, Seventy five dollars^ which I deem reasonable, and recommend 
you to cause that amount to be paid to him — If I were less em- 
barrassed in my money matters, I should not have hesitated to have 
paid him the amount in this City. 
I am. 

With great respect 

Your obedient Servant 

J. S. Calhoun 
Hon: L. Lea. 

Comr. Ind. J-ffs. 

Washington City 

D.C. 

[CALHOUN TO LEA.=] 

Second of this date 

Executive Department 
Santa Fe', New Mexico 

Jvh/ 28th. 1851 
Sir, 

I have the honor to inform you that I have five captives taken by 
the Comanches from the Republic of Mexico. 

1. Andres Martinez, El Gallo, Durango. age, fifteen years — Father's 

name. Joaquin Martinez — Mother's. Catalina Morales. He sup- 
poses he has been with the Comanches about seven years. Re- 
ceived him May 29th. 1851. 

2. Teodosio Salazar. Rancho of Juan Perez, Durango — Supposed to 

be twelve years old. Ciprano and Petra Talazar. parents. 
Mother dead. Received him June 15th. 1851. 



O. I. A., New Mexico Supy., N 160. 
Ibid. N 133. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 391 

3. Cleto Martinez, near the Cit}-^ of Durango, Mexico. Anselner and 

Josefa Martinez, parents — both dead— supposes he has been with 
the Comanches near six years — We suppose him to be twelve 
years of age — Eeceived him the 1st day of this month. 

4. Antonio Monsial Canatana from near the City of Durango, sup- 

posed to be fifteen years of age — Francisco Monsial Canatana. 
father — and Beringua Quintana. mother. He supposes he has 
been with the Comanches seven years. 

5. Feliz — He knows of no other name — Parents, dead. Taken cap- 

tive at the same time with No. 4, and both were received here 
on the 1st day of this month 
By the first opportunity that presents, these captives will be con- 
veyed to El Paso, and delivered to the Chief Officer of the Govern- 
ment of Mexico at that place, upon his receipting for them. 
I am, 

With great respect, 

Your obedient Servant, 

James S. Calhoun 

Supt. Ind. Affs 

P. S. I have recently liberated two 
New Mexican Captives, and restored 
them to their parents. 

J. C. S. 
Hon : L. Lea, 

Com?'. Ind. Afs. 

Washington City 
D.C. 

[CALHOUN TO LEA.'] 

Executive Department 
Santa Fe, New Mexico 

July 29th. 1851. 
Sir, 

The only object of this communication is, again, to caution you in 
relation to claims for depredations. Many of them are heavy, and 
should be paid. But there are others that will be greatly exagerated. 
and the weakest proof will be couched in terms that will seem to 
establish losses beyond all doubt. The loose way of preparing affida- 
vits and going through the country in search of the witnesses, may 
not, always, elicit the truth. 

Unless a Commission is appointed for that Special purpose, I sug- 
gest that all testimony in relation to depredations should be taken be- 
fore the Superintendent, or Indian Agents of this Territory, under 

1 O. I. A., New Mexico Supy., N 132. 



392 CORRESPONDEXCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

such rules and regulations as may be prescribed by Congress, or the 
Department of the Interior 
I am, 

With great respect, 

Your obedient Servant 

J. S. Calhoun 
Supt. bid. Affs 
Hon: L. Lea, 
Oomr. Ind. Affs 

Washington City 
D. C. 

[CALHOUN TO BROOKS/] 

Copy. 

Executive Department 

Santa Fe, New Mexico 

July 30th 1851 
Sir 

In order to be prepared for emergencies, I beg to enquire, whether 
you are clothed with authority to afford the Superintendent and In- 
dian Agents with escorts, and other facilities that may be necessary 
to enable them to discharge the duties confided to them by the Gov- 
ernment of the United States ? 
I am 

With great respect, 

Your obedient Servant 

Signed J. S. Calhoun 

Lt Col Brooks 

U. S. A. 

CoTnmanding 

Santa Fe, N. M. 

[CALHOUN TO LEA.'] 

Executive Department 
Santa Fe, New Mexico 

July 30th 1851 

Sir, 

I have the honor to inform you, that Col. Woolley and Mr. Wing- 
field arrived with the mail wagon on the 25th inst. Genl. Weight 



1 Enclosure No. 1 of Calhoun to Lea, August 31, 1851 ; Annual Report Commissioner 
Indian Affairs, 1851, p. 201. 

2 0. I. A., New Mexico Supy., N 131. 



COKKESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 393 

man is now engaged in attempting to adjust some difficulties between 
Pueblo Indians and Mexicans. Unless the boundaries of the Pueblos 
are clearly and distinctly defined, our domestic annoyances will be 
eternal. Several Pueblos are now moody, and it will be no difficult 
matter for the evil disposed to induce them to desperation, unless 
some plan can be adopted to protect them from mal-influences. 

The. Four Agents. 

They are here, have duly reported ^ to me, and I am without the 
means to enable them to do full service — I received nothing from 
your Department by the last mail— Col. Woolley will remain near 
the Head Quarters of the Army, now established beyond our eastern 
border, about one hundred miles from this place, and six miles east 
of Barclay's Fort, on the Bent's Fort road. Mr. Griener will be sta- 
tioned, for the present, near Taos, and whenever Col. Sumner shall 
establish a Military Post in the Utah Country, he will repair to that 
point. 

Mr Wingfield will, if practicable, accompany Col. Sumner to the 
Navajo Country, and take position near the post to be established 
there. 

B^^In reference to treaties^ unless I am overruled by the Depart- 

residing 
ment, no further treaties will be made with the Apaches east 

of the Del Norte — the Navajos, or Utahs. These Indians will be re- 
quired to conform to the treaties which they entered into with me — ■ 
But where are they to be located, and what shall be the extent of the 
limits to which they are to be restricted, and from which they are 
not to depart except under rules and regulations to be adopted? 
The Department must answer these questions, or confer upon me, or 
some other person or persons, authority to adjust them. But, would 
it be just and right to the Indians, or to our own reputation, to re- 
quire of them a compliance with their respective treaty Stipulations, 
without being prepared to manifest our own generous humanity to- 
Avards them? So far as the Navajos and Utahs are concerned, ample 
l^rovisions have been made; but the appropriations are not within our 
reach, nor do we know, when or by whom they are to be expended— 
The Navajos will yield the moment Col. Sumner establishes a Mili- 
tary post in their country, and they will then need but few presents, 
except implements of husbandry, and artisan instructors. The Utahs 
will require more, as subsistence must be furnished to them for a 
time. 

Another question, in reference to the Utahs, must be considered by 
the Department — The intelligent and dangerous of the tribe are in 

1 See Greiner to Lea, July 31, 1851, and Woolley to Mix, August 1, 1851. 



~) 



394 COERESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

New Mexico, and the more inoffensive, in the Territory of Now 
Utah. Are these to be brought nearer together, or, are they to be 
under different Superintendencies ? 

You are aware, there are no provisions for the Apaches with whom 
a treaty has been made. 

The only Indians (Wild Indians) with whom a treaty should be 
made, are the Apaches west of the Del Norte. These Indians are 
within the present limits of this Territory (at least, that portion of 
them who are not within the limits of the Republic of Mexico;) and 
these are they who are habitually seizing captives, and committing 
depredations upon Mexican citizens. If I can find time, and procure 
a suitable escort, I intend visiting the Boundary Commission before 
the meeting of our next legislature, (1st monday in December next.) 
This may, however, depend upon instructions to be received from the 
Department 

The $100 poo Apjyrojyriation. 

The Comanches and Eastern Apaches are, principally, within the 
limits of New Mexico, as now organized. Many of the Comanches, 
perhaps the greater number of them, roam within the limits of New 
Mexico. The homes of the Eastern Apaches are in this Territory, ftft4 
these Indians have committed more aggressions against the people 

immediately 
of the United States than the combined tribes east of 

them — and they are as often, and in as great numbers, upon the 
plains as other tribes — Was it not intended that a portion of this 
appropriation should be expended in holding treaties with these 
Indians, and sending delegates of them to the Seat of Government? 
If I mistake not, the Government of the United States have a 
treaty with the Comanches, and the only question to be adjusted is 
that of settling their limits to territory, and granting to them such 
gratuities as may be deemed advisable. 
I am, 

With great respect. 

Your obedient Servant 



J. S. Calhoux 



Hon: L. Lea 

Comr. Ind. Affs. 

Washington City 

D.C. 



COREESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 395 

[BUELL TO CALHOUN.'] 

Copy. 

Head Quarters 9th Depart. 

Fort Union. Xew Mexico 

August 3d 1851 
Sir. 

Your note of the 30th ultimo, to Bvt. Lieut Col. Brooks, com- 
manding the troops stationed at Santa Fe, inquiring whether he is 
" Clothed with authority to afford the superintendent and Indian 
Agents with escorts, and other facilities, that may be necessary to 
enable them to discharge the duties confided to them by the Govern- 
ment of the United States," has been refered to this office, and I am 
directed by the commanding officer of the Department to reply to 
you, that the troops in this Department will be prepared, at all 
times, for any service which the Government contemplated, or it«j 
interest demand. 

No general authority, or orders, can, however, I am instructed to 
say, be given to officers, to detach portions of their commands upon 
the discretional requisitions of the agents of the Indian Department: 
first, because such demands might interfere with the specific service 
to which the troops had been assigned ; and second, because the Gov- 
ernment does not contemplate any display of Military force in the, 
Indian country, that is not made under the controll of Military 
authority. 

As baring upon this Question, I am directed by the Commander 
of the Department to refer you, incidentally, to the extract from the 
instructions of the War Department to him, furnished to you on the 
22d ultimo, which direct him to allow the superintendent of Indian 
Affairs or (Indian Agents,) to accompany him in the expedition 
which it may be necessary to make into the Indian Territory. 
Very respectfully 



Your Obt. Sevt. 



Signed D. C. Buell, 

Asst. Adjt. Genl. 



To His Excellency 

J. S. Calhoun 

Gov. of New Mexico and 
Supt. of Indian Affairs 

Santa Fe, New Mexico. 



1 Enclosure No. 2 of Calhoun to Lea, August 31, 1851. This same letter is to be found 
in A. G. O., Old Book, No. 4, pp. 226-227, and in Department of New Mexico, vol. S. 
p. 12 ; but it is signed in both instances by Sumner himself instead of by his assistant 
adjutant general, D. C. Bnell. 



396 COREESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

[CALHOUN TO SUMNER/] 
Copy. 

Executive Department 

Santa Fe, New Mexico 

August Wi 1851. 
Sir, 

I trust the responsible position which I occupj^, as the representa- 
tive of the Government of the United States in its civil Department, 
and my obligations, not only to said Government, but also to the people 
of this Territory, to guard as far as I may hft¥e rightfully have the 
power, their persons, property and fire sides, will justify me in your 
estimation in addressing to you this communication. 

It is presumed, our ignorance in relation to the disposition of 
troops, and the location of posts, for the protection of the people of 
Xew Mexico during your contemplated Navajo Campaign, has ex- 
cited the apprehensions of the people. Many enquiries have been 
addressed to me upon this subject, which I have not been able to 
answer. The Navajo's are acquainted with every nook and corner 
in this Territory, and it would be exceedingly indiscreet for any one 
to act upon the presumption, that pending your march into the heart 
of the country which they claim, they and other Indians, will not 
seek to penetrate into our midst, and murder our people, and carry 
off captives and property. This result is inevitable unless precau- 
tionary measures are adopted to prevent it. I am satisfied you com- 
prehend the danger, and have adopted such measures^ as will afford 
adequate ftttthei4fcy protection, but, I have to regret that I can not, 
by authority., satisfy the uneasy manifestations of the public mind. 

There are two other facts which increases the public disquietude — 

1st. It is known that many of the Pueblo Indians have been tam- 
pered with by reckless individuals in this Territory, and unless means 
are adopted to prevent an outbreak, internal war must ensue. 

2d. In the City of Santa Fe, a vast number of Quarter Blasters 
and other men, have been discharged and are now out of employment, 
and at this season of the year, it is impossible for them to find em- 
ployment. To one of your experience it would be a waste of time 
to suggest the dangers to be apprehended from the two facts set 
forth above. 

3d. I must also state, to enable the superintendent and Indian 
Agents to contribute all in their power to guard against Indian out- 
breaks, they must necessarily travel in every direction, and this I 
cannot direct them to do without adequate escorts. Upon this sub- 

1 Enclosure No. 3 of Calhoun to Lea, August 31, 1851 ; Annual Report Commissioner 
Indian Afifalrs, 1851, pp. 203-204. 



COREESPONDEiSrCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN, 397 

ject, I addressed a note to Col. Brooks, the commandant at this post, 
which he informs me he has refered to you for instructions. 

I now beg to enquire, if I shall deem it necessary, to send one or 
more of the Indian Agents, or go in person, with you to the Navajo 
country, the extent of the facilities^ in transportation and subsistence, 
that will be afforded to us? And further, v/ill you allow Agents at 
outposts to purchase subsistence of commissaries. 

I have in conclusion, to say, with perfect respect, that one company 
of Artillery will be in my opinion, utterly insufficient, if all are 
mounted, to preserve the internal quiet of this Territory, and afford 
timely succour to the people of our borders, and such escorts as are 
absolutely necessary to render this superintendency efficient, and 
this can be effectively accomplished, only by having a sufficient num- 
ber of troops at a central position. 

The foregoing statement is placed before you for your considera- 
tion, and such action as you may deem wise. 
I am, 

With great respect 

Your obt Servt 

Signed J. S. Calhoux 

Col. E. V. Sumner 

Comd 9th BUI Dept 
Fort Union 
New Mexico 

[SUMNER TO CALHOUN.'] 

Copy 

Hd Qts 9th Dept 

Fort Union 

Augt 8/51 
Governor, 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 
4th inst. — the proper measures will, of course, be taken, to prevent 
the -incursions of Indians into this territory, during my absence in 
the Navajo country. You are aware sir, that it is not usual to pub- 
lish the plan for Military operations. — 

With regard to the reckless individuals mentioned by your Ex- 
cellency, it is a source of deep regret to me, that the laws of this ter- 
ritory are not strong enough, to repress such people, and keep them 
in order; this state of things is not understood at Washington, or 
special instructions, would undoubtedly have been given to me, to 
support the civil government in the execution of the laws. 

1 Enclosure, No. 4, of Calhoun to Lea, August 31, 1851 ; A. G. O., Department of Now 
Mexico, vol. 8, p. 18 ; Old Book, No. 4, p. 283. 



398 COEEESPOXDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

With regard to the transportation and subsistence of Indian 
Agents. I Avoiikl remarlv. that no allowances, whatever, can be made 
to any person from army supplies, not provided for, by express law. 
It is presumed that every department makes what is deemed suit- 
able provisions for its own Agents. 
AVith high respect 
Your obt Servt 

Signed E. V. Sumner 

Bvt Col V. S. A. 
His Exy. Gomdg Deft 

J. S. Calhoux 
Govr 

[MIX TO CALHOUN.'] 

Department of the Interior, 

Office Indian Affairs, 

August 8 1851. 
Calhoun, His Excy Jas. S. 

Santa Fe^ 

New Mexico. 

Sir : 

In fulfilment of the treaties with the Navajoes & Utahs, ratified at 
the late session of Congress, there was appropriated to carry into 
effect the 9th &. 10th articles of the former the sum of $18000, & a 
like sum to carry into effect the 7th and 8th articles of the latter, 
making together $36,000. 

If you are of the opinion that this money can now be usefully 
applied for the purpose set forth in the treaties, you are hereby au- 
thorized to draw on this office for it. ^ 
Verv respeetfullv. Your Obt. Servt 

Chas E Mix 
Actg Gomr. ad interim 



0. I. A., L. B., No. 45, p. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 399 

[MIX TO CALHOUN.'] 

Department of the Interior, 

OrncE Indian Affairs, 

August 9. 1851. 
Calhoun, His Excy. J. S. 

Santa Fe. 

New Mexico. 
Sir: 

Your letter of the 1st ulto, transmitting your accounts rendered to 

56 
the 30th June, & advising of draft for $1241 the amount of said 
account, has been received. 

The latter will be honored on presentation. 
Very respectfully. Your Obt. Servt 

Chas E Mix 
Actg Comr ad interim 

[MIX TO CALHOUN.'] 

Department of the Interior, 

Office Indian Affairs 

Augt. 12. 1851 
Calhoun, His Excy Governor. 

Santa Fe 

New' Mexico. 
Sir: 

In reply to your letter of June 30th, 1851. asking permission to 
visit Washington City «& Georgia, I have to state that the Secretary 
of the Interior is now absent from Washington. & that on his return 
your request will be submitted to him with the recommendation from 
this office that it be granted. 

Very respectfully, Your Obt. Ser\i: 

Chas E Mix 
Actg Comr ad interim 

1 O. I. A., L. B., No. 45, p. 53. 

2 Ibid, p. 60. 



400 CORRE.SPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

[MIX TO CALHOUN.'] 

Depart:ment of the Interior, 

Office Indian Affairs, 

Augitst 15. 1851 
Calhoun, His Excy J. S. 

Santa Fe 
New Mexico 
Sir: 

I have to inform you that your accounts as Indian Agent for the 
3d & 4th quarter of 1850, and fractional part of the 1st quarter of the 
current year have been examined in this office, allowed & referred 
this day to the accounting officers of the Treasury for settlement. 

The explanations respecting the vouchers suspended on settlement 
of your accounts for previous quarters made in your letter of 27th 
April last to the Second Auditor, and by him referred here, have 
been considered, are regarded as satisfactory, remove the objections 
heretofore raised, and the accounting officers so informed. 
Very respectfully. Your Obt. Servt 

Chas E Mix 
Actg Comr ad interim 

[CALHOUN TO LEA.'] 

Executive Department 

Santa Fe New Mexico 

August 17.) 1851 
Sir 

I have this day drawn upon you, at one days sight; in favor of Mess 
J. S Lightner & Co for Two thousand Dollars, which amount is 
absolutely necessary to pay the salaries of Indian Agents, Col 
Wooley, Mr Greiner and Mr Wingfield, and their interpreters to the 
30th of June last, and other expenditures at this Superintendency 

I have been exceedingly reluctant to draw without instructions but 
(»ur urgent necessities required me to assume a responsibility, which 1 
can not doubt you will approve, and that the draft will be promptly 
paid as in previous cases 
I am 

With great respect 

Your Obedient Servant 

Ja3ies S. Calhoun 

Supt. Ind. Aifs 
Hon Luke Lea 

Commissioner of Indian A fairs 

W ashing ton City 

B.C. ■ 

1 O. I. A., L. B., No. 45, p. 68. 

= O. I. A., New Mexico Supy., N. 141. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 401 

[CALHOUN TO LEA '] 

Executive Department 

Santa Fe, New Mexico 

August 22 d. 1851. 
Sir, 

On the 5th of this month, I sent to El Paso five captives to be 
delivered to the authorities of the Eepiiblic of Mexico. Since then 
I have releived four others ; one, an Apache Indian, the three others, 
will be sent to El Paso so soon as an opportunity offers. 

A large number of Captives and animals, taken recently from the 
Republic of Mexico, are now in the possession of the Gila Apaches, 
and it is of the utmost importance to have an Agent in that neigh- 
borhood. 

Col. Sumner, with a command of troops, marched a few days since, 

to 
in the direction of the Navajo country, and I desired send out, as 
suggested by you, an Agent, but Col. Sumner positively declined 
affording the " facilities " which his instructions authorized — and 
therefore, no Agent accompanies him — The Agent however, will not 
be idle, and will be stationed at, or near Dona Ana, a very important 
point at this time — My correspondence with Col. Sumner, will be 
forwarded by the next mail. 

It is now clear, I shall not be able to visit the Gila Apaches, as T 
intended, and deemed absolutely necessary, because Col. Sumner 
declines affording this Superintendency escorts for my purpose— If 
this course is in pursuance of instructions from Washington, our In- 
dian Affairs must be conducted by the officers of the Army, or they 
must be neglected. 

Since the departure of our mail of the first of this month, our 
Indian friends, and indeed all others, have been unusually quiet — ■ 
The Indians are now in a manageable condition. 
Very respectfully, 

J. S. Calhoun 
Hon : L. Lea 

Comr. Ind. A/fs. 

Washington City 

10. I. a., New Mexico Supy., N 136. 
5021— 1."h 26 



402 COEEESPOKDEXCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

[CALHOUN TO LEA'] 

Executive Department 
Santa Fe, New Mexico, 

Avgvst 22, 1851. 
Sir, 

I am frequently receiving conununications similar to the en- 
closed — The people, notwithstanding the present quiet, are uneasy, 
and with arms and munitions of war, and the bare authority to call 
out the militia, confidence would prevail, and the means of properly 
conducting our Indian relations in this Territory, would secure 

for 
quietude — It is to be hoped, that the mail we are now looking 
will bring me instructions, means, and such authorit}^ as will enable 
me to visit the Gila Apaches, and Moquies. 
With great respect. 

Your Obt Servt 

J. S. Calhoun 
Hon : L. Lea 

Comr. Ind. A/fs 

[RODRIGUEZ AND OTHERS TO CALHOUN.'] 

To the Illustrious Go\t:rkor 

at Santa Fe, New Mexico. 

Paul Melendres, Judge of Court at Our Lady de la Candelaria of 
Dona Ana, in the jurisdiction of the district of Socorro, for himself 
and those who subscribed with him this paper make the following 
petition and request under the assurance and protestation of respect 
and loyalty and in form due to the high position of your Excellency. 
They have heard from good and trustworthy sources from persons in 
this circuit that there is a rumor that the Cavalry and Infantiy, now 
attached to this colony will be removed in a few months, and, know- 
ing and realizing that the execution of such a movement would bring 
imminent peril to us. to the extent that our lives our wives and 
families might be sacrificed and lose the little we have to live upon 
and will be exposed to the tnry of the bloody hands of the Apaches, 
just as we have been in past years. 

Mr. Francisco Velarde, in order to prevent such disaster and free 
us from anxiety is making this petition to the Government at Wash- 
ington with the earnest request that a detachment of an armed force 
may be left here sufficiently strong to insure us protection. 

1 O. 1. A., New Mexico Supy., N 138. 

2 Enclosure of CaUioim to Lea, August 22, 1851. Translated from the Spanish by 
F. .T. B.. U. S. Pension Office, May 28, 1913. 



COERESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 403 

You well knoAv, as well as ourselves, the country in which live the 
barbarous tribes and who intend to make their desperate incursions 
into this district, which lies on their border. 

There are many malevolents living among us and the tribes in our 
vicinity who are at peace with us and true and loyal, and the former 
can do incalculable harm in inciting others to perfidy. 

As the Hon. Government has treated us with paternal considera- 
tion, we hope and trust in all confidence that it will further protect 
us and concede us the military force necessary to our safety or suffi- 
cient and capable to aid us to it. We see, and learn from others, that- 
many of our neighbors, on whom we counted for aid in such emer- 
irencies, have left their lands for the Mexican border 

Dona Ana, August 8. 1851 

Jose Maria Rodriguez Pablo Melendres 

Aspertacio Varela Ramon Cruz 

Florentino Espalin Man. Lopez 

Miguel Montoya Pedernabe Montoya 

Alexandre Maldonado Franc*=° Velarde 

Ramon Contreras Manuel Chabez 

Julian Viscarra Juan Fore 
Jose Ignez Corona Carrera 

Ph. M. Thompson * Antonio Courtantes 

Jeremiah Snyder F. Flecher 

[CALHOUN TO LEA^] 

Executive Department 

Santa Fe', New Mex. 

August 22, 1851. 
Sir, 

I did not know until yesterday, that I owed you an apology. In 
looking over my correspondence, I noticed, with mortification, that in 
forwarding a treaty, made with the Apaches on the 2d of April last, 
it was addressed to the Hon : A. H. H. Stuart, Secretary of the Inte- 
rior, but which should have been addressed to you. I hasten, Sir, to 
assure you, it is an inadvertency which gives me pain, and in no way 
designed to manifest the slightest disrespect towards you. 
On the contrary, 
I am. 

Sir, 

With profound respect. 

Your obedient Servant 

J. S. Calhoun 
Hon: L. Lea 

Oomr. Ind. Affs 

1 O. L A., New Mexico Supy., N 137. 



404 CORRESPONDEXCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

[MIX TO CALHOUN/] 

, Department or the Ixterior. 

Office Indian Affairs. 

August 2S. 1851. 
Calhoun, His Excy J. S. 

Santa Fe 

New Mexico 
Sir: 

The limited appropriations made by Congress for Indian service 
within your Superintendency, necessarily causes the amount allotted 
to you for contingencies to be small. Under this head, therefore, 
for the present, & until measures can be taken through Congress to 
increase the sum, there have been allotted to you $500; and for in- 
terpreters $500. also. For these amounts, you are authorized to draw 
upon this office, as the necessities of the service may require. 

You will please inform the four Agents for the Indians in New 
Mexico, that, to each, the same amounts under the same heads have 
been allotted, for which, they are authorized to draw in like manner. 
Verv respectfully. Your Obt. Servt 

Chas E Mix 
Actg Comr ad interim 

[CITIZENS or MESILLA TO CALHOUN.] 

With Governor Calhoun's letter ^ of the 15th Septr 

Mesilla New Mexico 

August 2ofh 1851 
To his Exelency the Governor 

of New Mexico. J. S. Calhoun 
Sir. 

We the undersigned Citizens of Mesilla beg leave to call your at- 
tention to the unpleasant condition we are placed in, in consequence 
of the great oversight of Mr Bartlett the Commissioner on the part 
of the United States in placing the Initial Point, or Starting place 
of the Southern Boundary of New Mexico, beyond the limits of the 
Treaty according to Mr A B. Grays (U. S Surveyors) Arguments, 
which we have had the good fortune to fall in with in writing, a copy 
of which ; we beg the honor of presenting to you. 

We were of the opinion ever since this line was Established that it 
was wrong, and should have taken this step Sooner but untill the 

a 
prrival of Mr Gray (the U S. Surveyor) we was as it were in per- 
fect state of obscurity, and did not know how to proceed. 

10. I. A., L. B., No. 45, p. 100. 
= See p. 425. 



COEKESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUjST. 405 

The town of La Mesilla was settled some time in the early part of 
1850, by Americans and New Mexican Citizens, under the Conviction 
that it was X. Mexican Territory and was Subject to its Laws, Con- 
sequently, the town has flourished and now contains some 1500 or 
2000 inhabitants most of whom are Citizens of the United States 
and New Mexico and claim the rights and protection as such. 

We would also call your attention to what we believe to be illegal 
on the part of the Mexican Government, establishing a Custom 

here 
House for the purpose of collecting Duties for Mexican reve- 
nue; they are also taking away lands from Americans and others 
who are favorable to American rights and priveliges, and giving them 
to those who profess to be Citizens of Mexico. 

We cannot concieve that they have any right as yet, to their laws 
as the Point agreed upon by (Mr Bartlett and the Mexican Com- 
mission,) not only lacks the signature of Mr Gray the Surveyor, 
but his Concurrence, and on the other hand he is decidedly opposed 
to it, and says, that the Initial Point or Starting place is but a short 
distence above El Paso, consiquently it renders this disputed Terri- 
tory and we believe would warrant us in protesting against paying 
Duties to Mexico, and having our property confiscated, untill, it is 
legally settled that this is Mexican Territory which, we believe never 
can be Justly done. 

We would respectfully request that your Exelency would cause a 
coppy of this our petition to be forwarded to the State department 
at Washington for their further consideration. 

We have the honor to be 

Your Most obedient Servts 

[CALHOUN TO LEA.^] 

Executive Department 
Santa Fe, New Mexico, 

August 27, 1851. 

SiK, 

My agent who had charge of five Captives, concerning whom I 
w^rote you on the 28th of last month, returned from El Paso thi^ 
afternoon, having delivered the captives, in conformity to my in- 
structions, to the Mexican authorities, as the accompanying receipt 
will show. 

It is exceedingly desirable to me, that the Department should give 
instructions in reference to captives. One of the three captives men- 
tioned in m}^ letter of the 22d of this month, to your address, was j^ 
fine looking youth, and disappeared on the 25th inst, doubtless, doubt- 

1 O. I. A., New Mexico Supy., N 140. 



406 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. . 

less, forcibly carried off by one or more scoundrels, that it will afford 
me pleasure to have punished, if they should be discovered. 

The other two are young women, and one of them seems to be 
anxious to remain in the country. In such cases, what should be 
done with captives? If they remain in the Territory, the probability 
)S, they will become peons for life. 
I am, 

With great respect 

Your obedient Servant 

J, S. Calhoun 
Hon: Luke Lea 

Comr. Ind. Afs. 

Washington City 

"d.o. 

[Inclosure.] 

El Paso, Mexico 

Aiigust 1851. 
Received from His Excellency, James S. Calhoun, Governor of the 
Territory of New Mexico, and Ex Officio, Spuerintendent of Indian 
Affairs, the following described captives, all recently in the posses- 
sion of the Comanche Indians. 

1. Andres Martinez, El Gallo, Durango, fifteen years of age — ^Parents- 
Joaquin and Catalina Morales — 

2. Teodosio Salazar, Rancho of Juan Perez, Durango. twelve years 
of age — Parents, Ciprano and and Petia Talazar. 

3. Cleto Martinez, near the City of Durango. twelve years of age— 
Anselino and Josefa Martinez — 

4. Antonio Monsial Canatana, near the City of Durango, fifteen 
years of age — Parents Francisco Monsial and Beringua 
Quintana — 

5. Feliz, does not remember his surname, twelve years of age — 
Parents dead. 

Three horses, and thirty five Dollars Cash 
&c &c &c. 

[CALHOUN'S ENDORSEMENT OF SHERMAN TO BAKER.^] 

Santa Fe, New Mexico Aug. 30th 1851. 
Hon. Graftois' Baker 

Dear Sir, 

Having noticed an article in this days paper published in this Citv 
called the Santa Fe Gazette, under the caption of the " Triangular 

IB. I. A., M. L., December, 1851. Enclosure of Baker to Fillmore, December 24, 1851, 
given on page 412. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 407 

fight between the Military, the Judiciary and the Catholic Church "' 

(mis) 
wherein the writer of the article has uttered some gross state- 

ments of facts & calculated to conA'ey an erroneous impression upon 
the minds of persons abroad, I conceive it no more than justice in 
me, as I was the person through wdiom the negotiation with Col. 
Brooks, (the commandant of the Military forces in this City) and 
the Bishop, was made, to conununicate to you in this manner all the 
conversations and circumstances that transpired under my observa- 
tion, according to the best of my recollections, (and I believe they are 
tolerably distinct) and authorize you to make such use of the same as 
you may think proper, to disabuse the public mind upon the subject. 
T. as you are aware, came in company with the Hon. Associate Justices 
of the Supreme Court of the Territory, Judges Mower and Watts, 
fiom St. Louis to this City, and arrived here on the 26th of Jmie, some 
three weeks previous to your arrival; and by the courtesy of the 
(jrovernor, took up our quarters with him, there being no public 
houses in this City where we could be provided with rooms, and have 
remained with him since our arrival; — that is Judge Mower and 
myself. Judge Watts remained with us some tAvo weeks and then 
])rocured other rooms. Very soon after our arrival here Ave Avere 
informed that there Avas a faction here, extremely hostile to his Ex- 
cellency, Governor Calhoun, and many carried their hostility so far. 
that they woidd not call at the Governor's to pay their respect to the 
Judges; at the same time expressing regrets (that) the relations ex- 
isting between them and the Governor Avere such that it precluded 
them from visiting the Governors House. The leaders of this fac- 
tion appeared extremely anxious to identify the Judges with them, 
but were told in the most emphatic manner, that the Judiciary could 
not participate in any political matters, whatever. They were told 
by these persons that it would be impossible for them to remain 
neutral, that they, the Judges, Avould be draAvn to take sides one way 
or the other. You are aAvare that on our arrival here the first Legisla- 
tiA^e Assembly under the Organic LaAv was in session, composed 
mostly of Mexicans who hailed Avith unfeigned delight, the arrival of 
the Judges as an omen of a better state of things; they having the 
utmost confidence in the civil Government of the Territorj^, and of 
the United States ; looking upon the Judges and the ExecutiA^e with 
great veneration, being themselves, a law abiding people, and appear- 
ing very anxious to conform to the customs and laws of the United 
States. Hence the extreme anxiety of this faction to secure the in- 
fluence of the Judges Avith them, hoping with the aid of the Military. 
( Avith Avhom they Avere identified) to raise up a party in opposition 
to the Executive; and thereby render the Governor unpopular, if 
j)ossible, with, the Mexican people, with whom at that time, as at 



408 COREESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

present, (he) was, and is very popular, and in my opinion, justly en- 
titled to their confidence for the extreme care he has taken of their 
interests, & his manifest desire to make them feel that they were 
^\jnerican citizens, and entitled to all the rights and priviliges of 
citizens of the United States, and to make them forget that they are 
a conquered people, by appointing many of the eminent & prominent 
and influential ones to such offices as he though them capable of 
fulfilling properly. And that appears to be the head and front of 
his olfending with this faction. The only specific charge that I have 
heard against the Executive is, that he endeavoured to conciliate the 
Mexican portion of our people and pays less attention to the Ameri- 
cans than to them. And, Sir, such was the situation of affairs on 
your arrival here ; therefore, you can readily conceive why there was 
so much anxiety to identify you with them; but finding themselves 
unable to accomplish that, they thought to destroy your influence, 
and render the Judiciary unpopular with the Mexican people, 
through their religious prejudices in regard to the occupation of the 
old Church building in this City for the purpose of holding the 
United States District Court in. And aow, sir, I will endeavor to 
state the reason why the church was procured for that purpose ; also, 
how it was obtained, and the manner in which it was turned over to 
ihe Governor and abandoned as a Court House. On your arrival 
here there being great necessity of holding a criminal term of court, 
you were pleased to appoint me clerk of your court, and immediately 
set about making the proper arrangements for that purpose. And 
after giving the proper notice that there would be a Special Term 
held for the trial of criminals, commencing on the 25th of August, 
your next care was the procuring of a proper place for holding the 
court in. 

As there are some ten acres of ground in this City, belonging to 
the Government, covered with buildings which had been occupied 
by the military, some of which would have made a good court room, 
ihe old Quartermaster's effiee quarters in particular, you requested 
me to call upon Capt. Reynolds, the Quartermaster, here, and obtain 
permission to use the building for a court room. He readily con- 
sented, saying that the Quartermaster's Department was to be re- 
moved from Santa Fe, and he should have no further use for the 
building, — that on the 22nd day of August he would turn it over to 
you; but would not under any circumstances turn it over to the 
Governor. With that understanding the Marshal immediately made 
contracts with joiners for fitting it up properly for that purpose. 
About this time I conversed with Major Sibley upon the subject, he 
taid the Department would not want the building much longer, 
and that any arrangement with Capt. Reynolds would be well. So 
the matter stood until about the 18th of Aug. when Capt. Reynolds 



COERESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 409 

informed me that the order to turn over the building for the pur- 
poses of the Judiciarj^ was that morning countermanded by Col. 
Brooks, the Military Commandant at this Post. I, by your request, 
immediately called upon Col Brooks to ascertain if there was not 
some other place which could be obtained for a court room in some 
of the Government buildings. He informed me there was none, 
and regretted it was not in his power to accommodate us. I called 
upon him again by your request, and applied for the old church, he 
said that he had that day removed out of the church all the Gov- 
ernment property, and that they should not in any probability ever 
want the use of the building, and that if Judge Baker would give 
him a receipt to return it to him again, in case it should be wanted 
for military purposes, he, Col. Brooks would give the immediate 
jiossession of it to Judge Baker. I, accordingly informed you of 
the conversation between Col. Brooks and myself, and you were very 
much disinclined to receive it upon such terms, but after consulting 
with Mr. Jones, the Marshal, on the subject, sent Col. Brooks a 
receipt by Mr. Jones without any reservations which Col Brooks 
Avould not accept & returned to you by Mr Jones. You then called 
upon Judge Watts and consulted him upon what course to pursue, 
and finally sent him (Col B) another receipt by Mr. Jones, agreeing 
to return it to him when circumstances might deem (render) it 
necessary, which the Col. accepted, and gave the key to the Marshal, 
and he immediately commenced fitting it up suitably for a court 
house. Some day or two after this the Bishop and one of his Priests 
called upon you in my presence and asked you if you were holding 
the church under the military authority or the civil. He said there 
could be no doubt as to the title of the property in the church, the 

in 
deeds were the possession of the Vicario, and appeared very 
anxious that the property should be given up to the church im- 

a receipt 
mediately. You replied that you had given Col. Brooks to 

return it to him when circumstances might render it necessary. You 

said 
also to him, it was your opinion that the Marshal was the proper 

custodian of all the Government property not actually in the posses- 
sion of the military and used for military purposes, and as the prop- 
erty had been in the possession of the Government since the con- 
quest, and there had been no claim set up by the church to the 
property until this time, you did not feel justified in giving it up; 
the proper course for him to pursue would be to send to Wash- 
ton his evidences of title, and if they were good you had no doubt 
but the proper authorities would direct the property to be given up 
to the church. He then desired you to examine the title, and was 



410 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN, 

willing to submit the whole matter to you. You said to him that 
you could not do it, for it might come before you to be adjudicated 
upon, but he had better submit his papers to the United States Dis- 
trict Attorney as the proper law officer of the Government, and if 
]je had no doubt as to the title and so represented the matter at 
Washington, you had no doubt but they would make the thing all 
right. He said he would call upon Col. Brooks, and also, upon the 
District Attorney and left for that purpose; and from that time 
up to the 25th — the first day of court, these same factionists were 
busy in trying to stir up the Mexican people to sedition, working 
upon their religious prejudices, calling it desecration &c endeavour- 
ing thereby, to prejudice the Mexicans against the Judiciary and 
the Executive, and for the avowed purpose, of defeating Major 
Weightman as Delegate to Congress, and electing Capt. Reynolds. 
Such was the situation of affairs on Monday morning, the 25th 
when the excitement became so great among the Mexicans, stimu- 
lated by the tools of these factionists, that an outbreak appeared 
inevitable. The District Attorney and myself called at the office 
of Major Cunningham and there found you, Col. Brooks, and Mr. 
Jones the Marshal. You then said to him (Col. B) in the presence 
of the above named gentlemen, that there were strong indications 
manifested that you would be resisted in holding your court in the 
church building, and asked him if, in case there should be any 
violence and it should be necessary for calling upon him for the 
military under his command to put down rebellion and assist you 
in the execution of the laws, if you might depend upon him. His 
answer was, that he could not act without authority from Washing- 
ton. You then said to him. Sir, if it does become necessary I shall 
call upon you through the Marshal, and if you do not obey the 
mandate, and I can put my legal finger upon you, we will ascertain 
which is the superiour law, the civil or militar}^ He then replied 
that, when he Avas called ujDon, he should then determine himself 
of the necessity and be governed entirely by his own judgment how 
to act. You then made a requisition upon him for arms to arm the 

by 
Marshal's posse^ he also, refused, saying that he had none at his 
disposal. You then directed the Marshal to station as many men 
a bout tho -btt41diftff as he could procure, about the building, and at 
the time appointed, we, that is your Honor, the Marshal, the Dis- 
trict Attorney, the Translator and myself went into the house, 
organized and opened the court, the Grand Jury were called, an- 
swered to their names, and were about being sworn, when some of 
them, — Mexicans, — refused to be sworn, saying that their con- 
sciences would not permit them to be sworn in the church. You then 
said to them that you did not come here to oppress their consciences, 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 411 

and as they had scruples about taking the oath in the church, the 
court would take a recess for one half hour and the oath would be 
administered to them at the Grand Jurj- room, which was accord- 
jngly done; while at the same time there was a number of these 
tools of the faction still strong to keep up the excitement. However 
the court proceeded without interruption throughout the day and 

the 
adjourned until next morning. After the court adjourned. 

I-eftHed by your request, I called upon the District Attorney and 
said to him, if he approved of your suggestions and the Bishop 
would agree to refund the expense which had been incurred in the 
repair of the house, you would evacuate the building and hold the 
court in the Hall of the House of Representatives; and wished me 
to say to the Bishop that as your instructions from our Government 
were, to regard the opinions of this people and not to oppress the, 
you were inclined to hold the court at seme other place. The Dis- 
trict Attorney fully approved the course, and we called upon the 
Bishop & made known to him your views. He very readily accepted 
the proposition, and at the same time, said the people had been 
wrought upon, he had no doubt, for political purposes, and many 
came to him to know what they should do about resisting your 
holding the court there, and he said to them he would much rather 
see every church building in New Mexico destroyed than that one 
finger should be raised against the civil authorities. He told them 
to go home and be quiet. 

The next morning the court convened, and on motion of the Dis- 
trict Attorney, the court adjourned to meet at the HaJl of the House 
of Representatives, and you gave up the key to his Excellency, the 
Governor, and he, under instructions, and by a joint resolution of 
the Legislative Assembly, gave possession of the building to the 
Bishop who was present at the time. 
I am, sir, very respectfully 

Your obt sert 

(signed) Caleb Sherman. 

We, the undersigned do hereby certify that the facts set forth in the 
foregoing letter, as far as we are personally concerned, are, to the 
best of our knowledge and belief, just, correct and true 

(signed) J. S. Calhoun 

E. P. West 
John G. Jone* 
Santa Fe, New Mexico 

Oct. Wth 1851. 



412 COERESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

[Related Correspondence.] 

[baker to FILLMORE ^] 

Washington. Dec. 2'ith. 1851. 
To His Excellency. 

Millard Fillmore. 
Sib, 

By the last Santa Fe mail I received from Mr. Caleb Sherman, — formerly clerk 
of my District Court. — now. of that of Judge Mower, — a letter containing an 
account of the transactions in relation to the occupancy of the Old Military 
Church as a Court room : and, also, of some other matters touching the interest 
of our Territory. As this letter is from an entirely reliable source, besides 
being certified by the Governor, the District Attorney, and the Marshal of the 
Territory, and, supposing the facts detailed may be of some moment, I take 
the liberty of transmitting to your Excellency, a copy thereof. By the same 
mail I received from Mr. West a copy of a letter from Bishop Lamy to your 
Excellency, which he was kind enough voluntarily to write on the eve of his 
departure on a visit to the Bishop of Durange. Being uncertain whether the 
(iriginal had been mailed to your Excellency, or mislaid, I requested Mr. West 
to forward to me the copy, which I, also, beg leave to transmit with the en- 
closed. 

I have the honor to be. with very great respect, 
. Your most obt. sert, 

Grafton Baker 

[Inclosure. ] 

Santa Fe N. M. September 27, 1851. 
To His Excellency 

Millard Fillmore. 
Sir. 

Some little disturbance, undesiguetl by those who have caused them, having 
lately taken jaace in this City in reference to the use intended to have been 
made of the church of "Our Lady of Light" and having seen a publication in 
the paper. Santii Fe Gazette, which being misunderstood by strangers might 
prejudice our Chief Justice the Hon. Grafton Baker, I, Vicario Apostolic of 
New Mexico, John Lamy. do take great pleasure in saying that in all my trans- 
actions with the Hon Gentleman, I had every reason to be satisfied that his 
intentions were, to do strict justice between the United States and myself, and 
those whom I represent. That he has done so I am surely satisfied 
With the highest respect for Your Excellency. 
[ have the honor to 

Subscribe myself 

John Lamy, 
Vic. Ap. of N. Mexico. 
I. E. P West. Lnstrict Attorney of the United States, do certify that the above 
is a true copy of the duplicate original placed in my possession by Bishop Lamy. 

E. P. West, U. 8. Dist. Atty. 

1 B. I. A., M. L., December, 1851. 



CORRESPONDENCE OP JAMES S. CALHOUN. 413 

[CALHOUN TO CONRAD/] 

Executive Department, 

Santa Fe, New Mexico, An<jf. 31, 1861. 
Sir:— 

Col. Facimde Pino, the Adjutant-General of this Territory. laid 
before me yesterday evening, a circular from your Department, 
signed, June 14, 1851, by R. Jones, Adjutant-General, with estab- 
lished forms for the return of militia, &c., &c., &c. 

The object of this communication is to place before you facts not 
well understood in the States. Of the sixty thousand inhabitants in 
this Territory, I am satisfied there are not five hundred persons. 
unconnected with the army, who can read the English language. 
Hence the necessity, in communicating with the people, of writing, 
or printing, both in English and Spanish. This necessarily increases 
the number of public laborers, and the expenses of the territory. At 
present, we have not one dollar in the treasury, nor is there any 
probability of there being one in it at an early day, because of a 
combination of tax payers, who refuse to pay taxes. This combina- 
tion is, in part, the result of a determination to bring into disrepute 
the Executive of this territory. As a matter of course. I am greatly 
embarrassed. The last legislature of the territory authorized the 
organization of the militia ; but the foregoing statement shows you. 
T have not the means of rendering it effective, and the object of the 
circular, before mentioned, cannot be accomplished except through the 
medium of the Spanish language. 

At this moment the necessity of an organization of the militia, is 
oppressively felt. Colonel Sumner is advancing into the Xavajo 
country, and bands of Navajoes are now in his rear. On the 26th 
inst., they approached our settlements, about thirty miles west of 
this city, killed a young Mexican girl, and drove off a flock of goats. 
They have so successfully committed murders and depredations, 
and carried off captives, they do not fear the possibility of being 
caught by our troops. I will only add, until we can procure muni- 
tions of Avar, and the Executive is clothed with authority to call out 
the militia, there will be no quiet in this territory. 
Very respectfully, 

S - S. Calhoun. 

To Hon. C. M. Conrad, 

Secretary of War. 



1 Annual Report Secretary of War, 1851, House Ex. Doc. 32nd Cong., 1st sess.. Xo. 2, 
Ft. 1, p. 136. 

2 Misprint. 



414 COERESPOXDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUK. 

[CALHOUN TO LEA.'] 

Executive Department 
Santa Fe', New Mexico 

August 31, 1851. 
Sib, 

The mail from the States arrived on the 29th inst. without bring- 
ing me a word of instructions from Washington, and you must feel 
that I am sorely troubled at the embarrassments which surround me. 
You are already advised by my letter of the 22d. Inst, which will be 
confirmed by the accompanying copy of a correspondence between 
your Indian Superintendent, and the military commander of this 
Department, that no military '' facilities " will be afforded to the 
Indian Department. This to be regretted, and will limit the useful- 
ness of Agents — and devolve upon the OiRcers of the Army duties 
that should be discharged by them, (the agents.) 

Col. Sumner is now enroute for the Navajo ^ Country, and Bands of 
the Navajos are in his rear, and approached our Settlements on the 
night of the 26th inst, killed a little girl, and drove off a flock of 
goats. This occurred about thirty miles from this City, on the west 
bank of the Rio del Norte — It is reported, and I beleive its truth is 
not doubted, that Indians have got possession of a large number of 
public animals recently in the possession of the Boundary Commis- 
sion." Tlie success of the Indians will, doubtless, encourage them to 
more daring acts of aggression. Without a dollar in our Territorial 
Treasury, without munitions of war, without authority to call out 
our Militia, and without the cooperation of the military authorities 
in this Territory, and with numberless complaints and calls for pro- 
tection, do you not perceive, I must be sadly embarrassed and dis- 
quieted? The difficulties that have occurred in the Boundary Com- 
mission, is weakening the confidence, of our Mexican residents, in 
our government. 

A large number of captives, recently taken from the Republic of 
Mexico, are among the Gila Apaches, and your Department ought to 
have an Agent with the Boundary Commission — -It was my intention 
to have visited that region during the ensuing month, but that pur- 
pose is defeated by not being authorized to secure an escort. These 
Indians should be made to know their duty, and a Treaty ought to 
be made with them, requiring them not to go beyond prescribed lim- 
its, except under certain restrictions. 

- O. I. A., New Mexico Sup^., N 139 ; Annual Report Commissioner of Indian Affairs, 
1851, pp. 200-201. 

2 The document on page 416 covers Sumner's report of his expedition to the Navajo 
country. 

« See John Russell Bartlett, Personal Narrative of Explorations and Incidents, Chap- 
ter I. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 415 

THE SEVEN MOQUI PUEBLOS. 

Thirteen Indians, from these Pueblos, visited me on the 28th inst. 
Their object was to ascertain, whether their Great Father, and they 
supposed me to be him, would do anything for them. They com- 
plained that the Navajos had continued to rob them, until they had 
left them exceedingly poor, and wretched, indeed, did they look. 
They had heard of a priest^ but never had see one; and requested me 
to see one for them, and to deliver to him some feathers, and a powder, 
they called, as it was interpreted by a Santa Domingo Indian, their 
" Big Medicine," and to beg the priest to pray to the Great Spirit to 
send them rain, and to make their corn grow, that they might not 
perish. These Indians seem to be innocent, and very poor, and should 
be taken care of. The Navajos having exhausted, or nearly so, the 
supplies of the Moquies, are now at peace with them, and will remain 
so, until the Moquies increase their stores to an extent that shall 
awaken their cupidity. More than twelve months ago, I made an ef- 
fort to visit the Moquies, but then, as now, an escort was not allowed 
me — You will remember, their Pueblos are situated west of Santa 
Fe, and at a distance from it, computed at Three hundred and fifty 
miles, and beyond the Xavajo Country. Not very remote from the 
Moquies, the Gila Apaches should be made to settle; but this is a 
question that can not be determined before that country is thoroughly 
explored. 

I know of no outrages committed by Apaches roaming east of the 
Rio del Norte, or by Utahs, subsequent to the Treaties made with 
them. The mail conductors say, they were greatly annoyed by In- 
dians between this and the Cimarone, and think there were Utahs 
among the assailants — They suffered no particular injury — 

I beg to call your special attention to the accompanying corre- 
spondence, and after reading No. 2, do me the favor to read No. 5. 
Do instruct me in the way I should go. 
With great respect. 

Your obedient Servant, 

J. S. Calhoun 
Supt. Ind. Aifs. 

Hon: L. Lea 

Gomr. Ind. Affs. 



416 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN, 
rinclosure. ] 



>SlR, 



Copy 

War Department, 

Washington, April 1st 1851 
(Extract) 



X XXX 

In all negotiations and pacific arrangements with the Indians, you 
will act in concert with the Superintendent of Indian Affairs in New 
Mexico, whom you will allow to accompany you in the expeditions 
into the Indian territory, if he should deem it proper to do so, and to 
whom you will afford every facility for the discharge of his duties. 

Instructions will be given by the Department of the Interior to the 
Superintendent and Agents, in all their transactions with the In- 
dians, to act in consultation and concert with the Military authorities. 

X XXX 



X X 

Very respectfully 

Your obt vSevt 



Signed. C. M. Conrad 

Secretary of War 



Colonel E. V. Su^iner 
Ist Drar/oons 

St. Louis 
Missouri 

[Belated Correspondence.] 

[SUMNER TO JONES.*] 

Head Quarters, 9th Dept : 

Fort Union, N. Mexico 

October 2Wi 1S51. 
General, 

I would respectfully submit a report of my operations during the past 
summer. 

I left Fort Leavenworth on the 26th of May with a detachment of dragoon 
and Infantry recruits. The cholera had appeared in the command some days 
before I left, and remained in it, till I reached the Arkansas. I lost one surgeon 
(Dr. Kennedy,) and about 35 men. My other surgeon Dr. Tingley, was of 
little or no service to the command, he was unwell most of the time, and was 
left at the new post on the Arkansas, with orders to come on with Major 
Rucker, who was following me with a supply train. He got well enough to 
return to the United States, by what authority I know not. The distance was 
as great, and the mode of traveling the same, that it would have been coming 
In this direction. I feel it to be my duty to ask particular attention to the 



A. G. O., Department of New Mexico, vol. 8, pp. 49-55. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 417 

extniordinnry coiulnct of this officer. On uiy nrrivHl at the post on the 
Arkansas, I found a large number of Indians collected there of various tribes. 
Some uneasiness appeared among the " Cheyennes," and as I was marching 
past their village, several shots were firetl towards the rear of my column, at 
the same time, I received a note from the Indian Agent, to look out for them, as 
they were bent on mischief. I immediately countermarched a company of 
horse, and remained near the village till my train had passed, no further hos- 
tility was then shown by the Indians. On the following night I received a letter 
from Bvt: Lieut : Col : Hoffman, the Commander of the new post, informing me 
that the Indians were evidently banding together, and it was thought they 
intended some act of hostility. At the dawn of the day the next morning, I 
marched back with my whole command. I assembled a number of the chiefs 
and head men, and said to them I had come back to meet them, as friends or 
enimies, it was for them to say which, but they must say it immediately. They 
at once disclaimed all intention of hostility, and I resumed my march. 

I reached Santa Fe, on the 19th of July and assumed command of the 
Department. My first step was to break up the post at Santa Fe, that sink of 
vice and of extra vagence. and to remove the troops and public property to this 
place. I left one company of Artillery there, and shall have a cavalry station 
within .striking distance of that place, during the coming winter. 

I understand that many applications have been made to the government, by 
the people of Santa Fe. to have the troops ordered back there. I have no 
hesitation in saying, that I believe most of these applications proceed directly 
or indirectly from those who have hitherto managed to live, in some way, from 
the extravagant expenditures of the Government, I trust their petitions will 
not be heeded. 

I have also withdrawn the troops from the towns of Las Vegas, Rayado, 
Albuquerque, Ciboleta, Secorro, Dona Ana, San Ellzario, and El Paso, and I 
have established this post, (Fort Union,) near the ^loro River, and on the line 
of communication with the Missouri frontier, This will be the Department 
Head Quarters, and general depot. I have also established a post on the Rio 
Grande, near El Paso, (Fort Fillmore,) one at Valverde on the same river (Fort 
Conrad,) and one at Canon Bonito, (Fort Defiance.) These posts have all 
been selected, with a view to cultivation as well as the defense of the frontier, 
and they are now being built by the troops and the expense will be very small. 

I designed establishing a post in the Utah country this fall, but it is so late, 
I am obliged to postpone it till spring. 

I consider the withdrawal of the troops from the towns, a matter of vital 
importance, both as it regards discipline and economy. It is unquestionably 
true, that most of the troops in this territory have become in a high degree 
demoralized, and it can only be accounted for, by the vicious associations in 
those towns. These evils are so great, that I do not expect to eradicate them 
entirely, until I can bring the troops together, in considerable bodies, for disci- 
pline and instruction. 

I detached Bvt: Maj : Carleton with his company of Dragoons on the 1st 
of August, to range on the plains, between this place and the Arkansas river. 
He is still actively engaged on this duty, and I am happy to report, that no 
depredations, whatever, have been committed on the road to Missouri, since 
Major Carleton has been upon it. Captain Pope of the Topographical Engineers, 
was sent to find a better and more direct route to Missouri, avoiding if possible 
the large arid plains. He found an excellent route to the Arkansas, intersecting 
that river at the " Big Timbers," Beyond that (m the head waters of the 
.5021—15—27 



./ -^^ 



418 CORKESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

Kansas, he was not so successful. He is however, to return by another line to 
the " Big Timbers," and I still hope he will find a good route up the valley of 
the Kansas river. 

I have sent in to Fort Leavenworth. 71 wagons aiul 47:; mules. Tlie exi)ense 
of wintering these animals, will be nnich less there. th:m ir wdnld be here. ;iud 
they will be ready to come out again ni the spring. There is so Inrge a supply 
of subsistence in th's Territory, the government train cnn bring out next year, 
the few articles that will be i-equired and no contract train wilt l)e necessary. 
1 have also directed a reduction to be made hi the floui- contrjict of (ViO.OOO lbs, 
as I find there would be this amount surplus next year. 

On the 17th August, I marched from San Domingii for the .Na\a.io Country 
with four companies of horse 1 of Artillery, and Iwo of Infantry. I halted at 
the Pueblos of Laguna, and Zuiii and confirmed these Indians in their friendly 
disposition towards us. We saw no Navajos till we passed Canon Bonito, one 
of them then came to my camp, and I sent a message by him to tl e two chiefs, 
who were in the vicinitj'', that if they would come to me. with three of tlieir 
head men, that I would talk with them. they, however, refiised. and in pur- 
suance of the instructions from the War Department. I ordered :ill Navajoes 
to be fired upon, whenever they were seen hovering about. We killed and 
wounded a number of them, but I cannot saj^ how many. They never faced 
us, or gave us an opportunity to inflict upon them any signal chastisement. 

I left Major Backus with the Infantry, a part of the Artillery, and the train 
at the Canon Bonito, and proceeded round the Canon of Chelle with the Cavalry 
and two mountain howitzers. I afterwards i)enetrate<l this Caiiou to the dis- 
tance of eleven miles. 

My object was to attack the Indians, if I found them in the Canon, and to 
destroy their crops. In this I was disappointed, there being no Indians in the 
Canon, and but very little cultivation there. Previous to entering it, I detached 
Bvt: Maj : Graham, with a detachment of horse, and dismounted dragoons, to 
march up the right bank to cover our movement. 

This Canon is from 100 to 120 yards wide, with perpendicular sides of rocks, 
from 200 to 600 feet high, after we had proceeded about fonr miles, a party of 
Indians, on the top of the rocks on the left bank, conmienced an attack upon 
the column with a few muskets, and arrows, and by rolling down stones. At- 
tempts were made to scale the rocks to attack them, by Bvt : Maj : Thompson, 
and Capt: Ewell. but it was found to be utterly impracticable. I continued on 
till about 3. O'clock (P. M.), and then halted to rest my men and horses. The 
road was becoming worse, and as there was no adequate object in continuing 
to explore this Canon, at the risk of losing men, who were entirely defenseless, 
as our firearms would not reach the Indians on the top of the precipice, I 
thought it prudent, and proper, to leave the Canon, which I did the same even- 
ing, and happily without loss. I remained on the river Chelle, near the mouth 
of the Caiion all the next day, and then marched for the Canon Bonito. 

On the next night a party of Indians stole in between my picket guards and 
threw a few shots upon the Camp, and immediately fled. One of my Orderlies 
was wonnded by this fire, but not dangerously. 

This expedition was not as desislve as I could wish, but I believe it was as 
much so, as I ought to have expected. It was hardly possible to close an In- 
dian war of many years standing by one expedition. I believe the large post 
at the Canon Bonito, will in a short time effectually restrain those Indians. 

I instructed Major Backus, to treat them with the utmost rigor, till they 
showed a desire to be at peace, and would pledge themselves to abstain from all 
depredations upon the Mexicans. This post consists of five companies, and it 



COKRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 419 

is a great undertaking to supply it. I took out witb me 50 w;igons, and have 
since my return (on the 8th Inst:,) sent out 36 more. 

If this post does not put a stop to the Navajo depredations, nothing will do 
it but their entire extermination. 

I would respectfully ask the attention of the commanding General to the kind 
of force in this Territory. In all protracted military operations, especially 
against Indians, the main body must be foot. 

It is impossible to make long marches with Cavalry, on grasis alone, loaded 
down as they are with arms accoutrements and clothing, and have the horses 
equal to the Indian horses in speed or bottom, when we reach the scene of 
action, consequently our Cavalry cannot act offensively in the saddle, and their 
L-roken down horses, are a great embarrassment, requiring a large part of the 
commnnd to protect them, which could otherwise be used offensively on foot. 
Cavalry, to be effective anywhere, must be in high order, both jis it regards the 
instruction of the men and the condition of the horses. In Indian expeditions 
I think there should always be a small body of very select horse. If the march 
5s long, and without grain. I would have the horses habitually led till required 
for action. A small body of this kind would be worth ten times their number 
of ordinary men on broken down horses. 

I would respectfully propose that 4 Companies of dragoons (two of each regi- 
ment,) now in this Territory may be withdrawn and that the rifle Regiment 
(dismounted), or a regiment of Infantry, may be sent out in their place. This 
will not increase the expenses of this Department, and I can assure the com- 
manding General, that it will be a much better force for this service. I shall 
feel far more confidence in my ability to carry out the orders I have received, 
if this change is made. Indeed I would prefer that 4 Companies of horse should 
be withdrawn, even if they cannot be replaced by any other troops. I shall 
leave for El Paso, and the Gila river on the 5th of the next month. 
With high respect 

Your ob't : Serv't : 

R V Sumner 

Bvt: Col: USA. 

Comdg. Dept. 

Bv't: Maj : Genl : R Jones, 
Adft: Genl: 

[OVERMAN TO CALHOUN.*] 

With Go^'el•nor Calhoun's letter of the 1st of Octr 

Santa Rita de Cobre 

August 31 1851 
To His Excellency Jas. S Calhoun 

Govr of the territory of N. M. 
Sir 

I take this opportunity of informing you that we have been work- 
ing the gold mines near here for the last three months, and Colo. 
Cregg the Commanding officer here has done every thing in his power 
to protect us from the Indians, no depredations of any consequence 

1 Enclosure of Calhoun to Webster, October 1, 1851 ; Calhoun endorsed it as follows : 
" Reced Sept 22 1851 J. S. C. No. 2 «^The Col. Cregg is Bvt. Lt. Col. Craig of the 
U. S. A." 



420 COERESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

has been commited by them until within the last three weeks, and 
then the Apacha's and Navajos united to geather and run off nearly 
all the government stock and most of ours 

Col Cregg now states that he and all his men will leave here in 
twenty days or so, and then we will be wholly deserted of any assist- 
ance, except your Excellency would raise one or two Companys of 
mounted men, and then I have no doubt, by whipping them well you 
would being them to a good and lasting peace. 

The Country here, from the Rio Grand to the Rio Gila cannot be 
surpassed by richness by any other part of New Mex. and the mines 
all about here, are very rich in Gold, Silver, Copper, Led &c. &c.; 
in gold I do not suppose that California can surpass it 

Col. Cregg has written several letters to Col Sumners in regard to 
sending troops here but has not succeeded as yet. And if your Excel- 
lency should not send any troops here, the place will have to be de- 
serted and most likely such an opportunity of subduing the Indians 
will never occur again 

Hoping that your Excellency will send us assistance as soon as 
possible 

I have the honor to remain 
Yours Respt. 

Chas. Overman 

[CONRAD TO CALHOUN.'] 

War Department 

Washington Septem,her Jf 1851 
Calhoun, Hon. James S. 

Governor of New Mexico^ 
Santa Fe' 

New Mexico 
Sir, 

From the character you give Mr. Martinez it cannot be supposed 
that he would present this claim if it were not entirely just; never- 
less you must be aware that according to the rules invariably pursued 
in the settlement of such claims, they must be sustained by some other 
evidence besides the claimant's own statement. In the expectation 
that such evidence might be supplied by the reports of Army officers 
in New Mexico, an examination has been made, but no mention is 
found of the purchase or use of the press in the reports of the Officers 
having charge of such matters. Further enquiry will, however, be 
made, and it is possible some officer may be found who served in New 
Mexico during the period mentioned by Mr. Martinez, and may have 

1 A. G. O., M. B., No. 31, p. 382. 

2 Omitted at the request of the War Department. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 421 

such knowledge of the facts as will enable him to supply the necessary 
evidence. Until the evidence be thus supplied or furnished by Mr. 
Martinez, the claim cannot be allowed. 

Very respectfully, Your Obt Servt. 

C M Conrad 
Secretary of War. 

[LEA TO CALHOUN •] 

Department of the Interior, 

Office Indian Affairs 

Septemher 8. 1851 
Calhoun, His Excy Jas. S. 
Santa Fe 

New Mexico 
Snt: 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letters of the 
25th, 28th, 29th & 30th of July. Also letters from Agents Greiner^ & 
Woolley,^ stating that they had repaired to Santa Fe, reported to you 
and were awaiting instructions ; and in reply I have to state that the 
subject matter of your letters will be attended to. 
Very respectfully, Your Obt. Servt 

L Lea 

Gomr. 
[ Related Correspondence. ] 

[WOOLLEY, WINGFIELD, AND GREINER TO LEA.*] 

Santa Fe Aug 29th 1851 
To Hon. Luke Lea 

Commr Ind Affairs U. 8. 
Dear Sir 

The undersigned Agents of the Govt of the United States for the Indians in 
New Mexico, feel it due to themselves, and as a matter of justice to the Super- 
intendent of Indian Affairs for this District to malie the following representation. 

In obedience to instructions we received from you as Commr, of Indian Affairs, 
we lost no time in repairing to this place, and reporting ourselves to Gov 
Calhoun, and were all here on the 2Sth of July ult. At an early day after our 
arrival here, Govr Calhoun called the Agents together, and conferred with us 
freely in relation to our duties. In this conference he indicated that his line 
of policy as Superintendent of Indian Affairs would be to establish the agencies, 
at or near the military posts, about to be established in the country. Col 
Sumner the officer in command of troops in New Mexico, was at this time in 
the midst of his preparation for an expedition aganst the Navajo Indans. 
Gov Calhoun in obedience to his instructions from Washington immediately 

1 O. I. A., L. B., No. 45, p. 124. 

2 See Greiner to Lea, July 31, 1851, O. I. A., New Mexico Sup^., G 233. 

• See Woolley to Mix, August 1, 1851, Ibid, W 611, and also the Joint letter of Woolley. 
Wlngfleld, and Greiner, August 29, 1851. 
*0. I. A., New Mexico Supy., W 834. 



422 COREESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

addressed him on the subject of an Agent's accompanying him on this Expedi- 
tion, and inquiring of him the facilities he would afford to Agents for their 
transportation &c. To the inquiry in a communication to Govr Calhoun he 
positively refused to afford any facilities whatever. Govr Calhoun has sub- 
mitted the whole correspondence between Col Sumner and himself to us, and it 
is evident there is a want of comity and cooperation between the Indian and 
Military Departments of the public service in this Territory. In this state of 
things, we feel that it is impossible for us to render that efficient aid to the 
public service, that our duties require. Travelling without an armed escort, in 
this Country is entirely unsafe. It will be necessary for us to carry our 
bedding subsistence and cooking utensils. At night we must have a watch on 
duty, or our animals will disappear. If this be true, (and none who are in- 
formed will pretend to deny) we respectfully submit the question — how is it 
possible for us as Indian Agents, to discharge the important duties devolving 

when 
upon us witfe all the facilities of performing the same are withheld by the 
Military officers in command. 

We deeply sympathise with Govr Calhoun, Superintendent of Indian Affairs, 
on account of the embarrassing attitude in which he is placed by this unpleas- 
ant state of affairs, and trust the matter will command your earliest attention 
We remain Sir 

Very Respectfully Yr's &c 

A. R. WOOLLEt 
E. n. WiNGFIEXD 

John Greinek 
[CALHOUN TO WOOLLEY.'] 

KxECiTTivE Department 

Santa Fe, New Mexico, 

Septr. 10, 1851 

SlE, 

It is reported, upon what aiithoritj' I know not. that there are a 
number of Indians, in lodges, between San Miguel and Barclay's 
Fort. The truth in this matter should be known without a moments 

1 Enclosure of the following letter from Woolley to Stuart, September 24, 1S52, O. I. A., 
New Mexico Sup^., I 117: — 

Washington, nth Sept 1852 
Sir, 

Since my letter of yesterday, in relation to an extra compensation to one of my Inter- 
preters, which was disallowed by the Comr. of Ind. Affrs, in looking over my papers, I 
have been so fortunate as to find the enclosed letter from Gov. Calhoun— 

You will perceive that the Governor was evidently alarmed in this instance ; I am 
charged to investigate the matter of which he treats, " without a moments delay," to 
ascertain their " purpose"' & in conclusion am urged to speedy & prompt action by the 
following emphatic language. " Despatch in this matter is of the utmost importance " — 
These instructions are imperative in their tone amounting, in fact, to a positive order 
from a Superior to a Subordinate Officer — The means by which such orders were to be 
carried Into effect, was the only discretion left to me — 

It was upon instructions equally urgent & imperative that I applied to Col Alexander 
for a military escort, failing in which, I equipped and sent Ward, upon a valuable mare of 
my own, into the Jlccarilla country to procure the Information required of me by the 
order of the Ex-Otficio Supt. — 
Very respectfully. 

Yr Obt Svt 

A K WoOLLKY 

Int.e Jnd. Agt. New Hex". 
Hon. A. IT. H. Stuart 

Secy. Interim 



COERESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 423 

delay, and you are charged with its investigation. If the report be 
true, ascertain the purposes of the Indians in coming in to our settle- 
ments. Dispatch in this matter is of the utmost importance.^ 
With great respect 

Your obedient Servant 

J. S. Calhoun 

Snpt. Ind. Affs 

Col. A. R. WOOLLEY 

Ind. Agt. 

[DERRICK TO CALHOUN.'] 

Department or State 
Washington^ September 13th 1851. 
Honorable James S Calhoux, 
Governor of the Territory of 
New Mexico. 
Santa Fe. 
Sir: 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication 
of the 30th of June, setting forth the condition of the Territory of 
New Mexico, and also your letter of the same date requesting leave of 
absence from the Territory for about one month. The Department, 
not being aware of any authority conferred upon it to grant requests 
of such a nature, felt constrained to defer a reply to your letter until! 
the views of the President — then absent from the City — should be 
known. Occasion was taken this morning, to present your applica- 
tion to the President, and I have now to acquaint you that he does 
not feel authorized to assume the responsibility of acceding to your 
wishes. The President does not deny to you the liberty to act, in 
the case, as your judgement may dictate. On the contrary, he desired 
you to be informed, that, should the State of Affairs in the Territory 
justify your absence, and a suitable person be left in charge of the 
business, no obstacle could be interposed to such a procedure as you 
might adopt, bearing in mind, however, the responsibility that will 
devolve upon you, for the satisfactory administration of public 
affairs during your absence. 

I regret exceedingly that the absence of the President has so long 
delayed a reply to your letter. 

I am Sir very respectfully 

Your Obedient Servant 

W. S. Derrick 

Act Secretary 

1 In his attempt to carry out Calhoun's orders, WooUey applied to Colonel Alexander 
for a military escort and was refused. See Alexander to Woolley, September 20, 1851, 
O. I. A., Santa F6 Agency, W 142. 

»B. I. A., D. L., vol. 39, p. 243. 



424 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

[CAIiHOUN TO LEA.'] 

Executive Department 
Santa Fe', New Mexico, 

Septr. ll^th, 1851, 
Sir, 

The accompanying obligation, or rather, the copy of an obliga- 
tion given by the Alcalde, and Governor of the Pueblo of Lagima 
is forwarded that you may advise as to the proper remedy in such 
cases. So soon as an opportunity shall present, I will cause a demand 
to be made for the amount; and, if its payment is declined, I shall 
take no further steps in the matter until I hear from you. 

I repeat former suggestions, that unless Agents are near each 
Pueblo, the Indians can not be protected — The Agents now in this 
Territory must suffer in public estimation, because of their ineffi- 
ciency, rendered so for the want of proper military protection. 
With great respect. 

Your obedient Servant, 

J. S. Calhoun. 
Hon : L. Lea 

Comr. of Ind. Afs 

[In closure.] 

San Jose' de la Lacuna 

January 2J(th 1851. 
We, Juan Pedro Garvino, Alcalde, and Lorenzo Silva Governor of 
the above Pueblo, promise to pay Mr Ramon Sanchez, on the 24th 
day of March of the present year 1851, the full sum of Two hundred 
and ninety six (296) Dollars, for a quantity of coral stolen from said 
Sanchez in our Pueblo. 

In testimony whereof we have hereunto set our hands, and bind 
our real and moveable property, acquired and to be acquired. Signed 
by two witnesses, present at tiie celebration of this obligation, drawn 
in order to avoid a suit at law. 

Juan Pedro Garv'^ 
Lorenzo Silva 
Witnesses present. 
Mateo Concha 
PiOMENO Baca. 

Translators Ojtice, 

August W 1851. 
The above is a correct translation of the Original 

Whiting 
What ought to be done with such 
obligations ? 

J. s. c. 

1 O. I. a., New Mexico Supy., N 143. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 425 

[LEA TO CALHOUN.'] 

Department of the Interior, 

Office of Indian Affairs, 

Sept. 15 1851 
Calhoun, His Excy J. S. 

Santa Fe 

New Mexico 
Sir: 

In your letter of the 1st July last, transmitting your accounts for 
the 2d quarter of the present year, (which was acknowledged in one 
from this office of the 9th ultimo,) you advise of having drawn for 
the sum of $1241 56/100, in favor of W S McKnight, the amount of 
said account. 

To day there has been presented ^ your draft, in favor of the same 
individual, but dated on the 10th July, and for $1441 56/100, which, 
notwithstanding the discrepancy, both in the amount, and date, I 
have concluded to pay. 

You will please inform me whether the latter draft was substituted 
for the one alluded to in your letter. 

Very respectfully. Your Obt. Servt. 

L Lea, 

Gomr. 

[CALHOUN TO WEBSTER/] 

Executive Department, 

Santa Fe, New Mexico, 

September 15^ 1851. 
Sra, 

The accompanying petition will show that I am requested to for- 
ward it to you. The subject will commend itself to your considera- 
tion because of its intrinsic merit, and one that is calculated to in- 
flame the public mind, especially in New Mexico where agitators 
are hourly exciting the passions of the ignorant, and those whom 
they control. The people are persuaded they are not properly cared 
for — they know that the wild Indians roam in every direction in 
this Territory, and commit depredations without being chastised — 

that we are 
that the Territorial Treasury is a mere void, without 

munitions of war, or authority to call out the Militia ; and now, the 
conduct of the authorities of the Republic of Mexico is added to 
their list of greivances. 

1 0. I. a., L. B., No. 45, p. 137. 

2 See O. I. A., New Mexico Supy., S 722. 

3B. I. A., M. L., September, 1851. 



426 COKEESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

My constant efforts have been, and will be continued, to prevent 
exciting topics from maddening our people. I am aware that wrongs 
may not be redressed in a day, but manj^ of those we complain of, 
can and ought to be remedied at an early day. 
I am. 

With great respect, 

Your obedient Servant, 

J. S. Calhoun 
Hon. Daniel Webster 

Secretary of State 

Washington Gity^ 

D. 0. 

[CALHOUN TO WINGFIELD '1 

Executive Department 

Santa Fe, New Mexico 

Septr. 17. 1851, 
Sir, 

T am aware, as you have frequentW suggested to me, it is im- 
possible for Indian Agents, at this time, to render that full and 
efficient service which the Government of the United States has a 
right to demand of its servants ; they must, therefore, suffer in public 
esteem, unless the causes, which are well known to you, are properly 
explained. In addition to this consideration, unless the Government 
fully comprehends the character of the embarrassments to be en- 
countered in this Territory, the Government must fail to discharge 
the Parental duties with which it is charged. The Navajo Indians 
are travelling in every direction through this Territory, committing 
murders and depredations. It is utterly unsafe to penetrate, in any 
direction, towards the localities of the wild Indians, without an 
escort, or such other protection, and facilities as will secure safety 
and subsistence in travelling through wastes and uninhabited regions. 
Bedding and cooking utensils must be carried with you, and indeed, 
every thing also that is necessaiy to preserve a man from freezing 
and starving- The supposed want of authority, by the Military com- 
mandant of this Department, to afford " facilities " has prevented 
your accompanying the Navajo expedition. On the 8th of this month 
Indians committed depredations within seven miles and a half of 
this City — A feAv da3^s before, they committed a murder and depre- 
dations near the Pueblo of Cochiti — They are daily to be seen, on 
both sides of the Rio del Norte, between Valverde and Masilla. I 
have no authority to call out the militia, and the Territory is with- 
out munitions of War. Under such circumstances, I do not feel at 
liberty to direct you to incur such hazards as would be inevitable 

1 O. I. A., New Mexico Supy., W 21. 



COEEESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUIT. 427 

in travelling to and through the Indian country assigned to you, 
and where the more serious dangers are to be apprehended. With 
these facts before me, I can not do less than approve your determi- 
nation to proceed to Washington City, for the purpose of explaining 
the embarrassments under which we labor in this Territory, and why 
it is your usefulness is limited to a circle so narrow, as not only to 
be disagreeable, but to endanger your reputation as a useful citizen 
and officer. I, in the midst, and understanding the cause and charac- 
ter of the embarrassments around us, appreciate your feelings and 
approve the spirit that induces you to risk the forfeiture of your 
official position rather than your reputation for usefulness, or that 
the Government should not be more fully advised as to the true 
state of public affairs in this Territory. 
Your friend 

J, S. Calhoun 

Maj. E. H. WlNGFIELD 

Ind. Agt. 
[WHEATON TO CALHOUN."] 

With Governor Calhoun's letter of the 1st of October. 

Don Fernando De Taos Sept Wth 1851 
DrSir 

I write this at the request of some five hundred of the citizens of 
the counties of Taos and Kio Ariba, who are anxious to make a cam- 
peign against the Navajo Indians who have done, as you are well 
aware, infinite injury to the property and persons of the inhabitants 
of this Territoryr — 

The citizens to whom I refer labour under much difficulty for the 
want of arms as most of them have but their bows and quivers of of 
arrows and in this respect possess no advantage o\er the Indians; 
but unarmed as they are they are only waiting authority from your 
excelency to organize and do all in their power to repel these ruth- 
less invaders from their land and to save their property and lives 
and prevent slavery and outrage from their wives and children 

I am well satisfied that could arsenals and arms be distributed 
through this country, so that these people could be furnished with 
arms and ammunition whenever they wish to carry on an expedition 
of this kind or could they be organized into voluntier companies to 
be equiped and paid by the genl Government, they could do more in 
one year to protect not only this but the Mexican frontier from the 
ravages of the different nations of Indians which surround us, than 
the regular army could do in three 

1 Enclosure of Callioiin to Webster, October 1, 1851. B. I. A.. M. L., October. 1851. 



428 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

My reason for believino- tliis is derived from the fact that these 
people are well aware of the mountain fastnesses o f -fe h e to which the 
Indians retreat and which perfectly secure them from the approach of 
the regular troops — and being mostly mountaineers and beaver and 
buffaloe hunters, the}^ have become accustomed to the mode of life 
necessary and best adapted to hunting out the Indians and bringing 
them to an-effeeti^e permanent peace 

In fact this is the onl}^ mode by which this state of things can be 
brought about and the quicker it is done the less expense it will be 
to the Genl. Government & until it is done, this country as well as 

Mexico 
Chihuahua and the Northern part of sew- will be u perpetual 
scene of robbery & bloodshed: for it would take years for regular 
troops or even voluntiers from Missouri or Illinois to accustom them- 
selves to the kind of warfare that would be successful against these 
Indians or to become acquainted with the vast tracts of mountain and 
forrest by which we are surrounded 

With the hope that these views will meet with your approbation 
and that the required authority will be granted to those in behalf of 
whom I write, I remain — respectfully 
Your friend & servant 

Theodore D Wheaton 

His Excelency 

James S. Calhoun 

[CALHOUN TO WEBSTER.'] 

Executive Department, 

Santa Fe, New Mexico, 

September 23rd 1851. 
Sir, 

The Books mentioned in the accompanying Catalogue have been 
received by me, at this office; and for the freight of which, I have 
paid out of my private funds — or credit — the sum of ninety nine 
50/100 dollars, the Hon. Sec. of Territory not deeming himself 
authorized to pay the amount out of any appropriations granted to 
this Territory by the Congress of the United States, although the 
Legislature of the Territory authorized its payment. The Terri- 
torial Treasury is empty, and no probability of collecting taxes for 
months to come, as there is a combination formed to resist such pay- 
ments. This is an American combination. 

j^^I do not know the extent of the supervision, if any, which the 
Legislature and the Governor may exercise over appropriations for 

IB. I. A., M. L., September, 1851. 



COKEESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 429 

the Territory made by Congress. If they are left solely with the dis- 
cretion of the Secretary, under instructions from the Hon. Secre- 
tary of the United States Treasury, ought we not to be so informed 
that we may avoid trenching, or attempting to trench, upon the ju- 
risdiction of the Honorable Secretary? Nearly every appropriation 
made by the Legislature, payable out of the appropriations of Con- 
gress for Territorial purposes, are suspended — This is exceedingly 
disagreeable to me, as you will readily beleive when I tell you, I am 
compelled to listen, almost daily, to the complainings of those who 
have just claims, as I conceive, upon said appropriations. I pray 
that this matter may be remedied by the proper authority. 

If the books, herein mentioned, were forw'arded by order of the 
GoA^ernment, will you not cause the " omitted " volumes to be for- 
warded ? 

With great respect. 

Your obedient servant 

J. S. Calhoun. 
Hon. D. Webster, 

Sec. of State, 

Washington City, 
D.C. 

[CALHOUN TO LEA.*] 

Executive Department 

Santa Fe' N. M. Sept 30 1851 
Sir 

I have this day drawn on you in favor of E. H. Wingfield, Indian 
Agent for 742 '^Vioo Dollars at one day after sight, draft dated 
Sept 30th 1851. The account current which I will send to you by 
the mail of the 1st of October next will show how this amount obtains, 
and which is chargeable to the aforesaid Agent 
Very respectfully 

Your Obedient Servant 

James S. Calhoun 
Suftdt of Indian Affairs 
Hon Luke Lea 

Commissioner of Indian A fairs 

Washington City 
D. C. 



O. I. a., New Mexico Supy., N 149. 



430 COREESPONDENCE <J¥ JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

1 CALHOUN TO LEA.'] 

Executive Department 

Santa Fe New Mexico 

September 30th 1851. 
Sir 

The accompanying draft, drawn by John Greiner, Indian Agent, 
at present resident at Taos, for $708 "Vioo Dollars, in favor of Wil- 
liam S. McKnight, approved by the Superintendent of Indian Affairs 
for the Territory of New Mexico, and which closes his returns to this 
date. The Vouchers, Abstract and Account Current upon which this 
draft is founded, will be forwarded with my returns from this Super- 
intendency 
I am 

With gi-eat respect 

Your Obedient Servant 

J. S. Calhoun 
Hon Luke Lea 

Commissioner of Indian Affairs 

Washington City 

B.C. 

[CALKOUN TO WEBSTER.'] 

Executive Department 

Santa Fe, New Mexico, 

Octoher 1st 1851. 
Sir, 

I deem my duty, at this time^ to transmit to you a copy of a state- 
ment in reference to the past and present condition of this Territory, 
signed by twenty six members of the last Legislature, who request 
that certain points be occupied by Troops. The statement would 
have been forwarded at an earlier day, but for the hope that Col. 
Sumner's Navajo expedition would prevent the murders and depre- 
dations that have been committed by Indians during the past month. 

No. 2. is a communication from Charles Overman Esqr. which is 
entitled to consideration. 

No. 3. a letter from the Hon. Theodore Wheaton, Speaker of the 
H of R. of the Territorial Legislature. 

Desperation is abroad in every direction in this Territoiw, and 
there are no effective means to check it — Rely upon it, there is no 
time for discussion. 

Action, action is demanded, and I doubt whether it can come soon 
enough to prevent foul deeds. 

For the last two years I have, faithfully, warned the proper officials 
of dangers to be apprehended — and now, they are immediately in 
front, and who can foretell the result. 



O. I. a., New Mexico Supy., D 748. 
B. I. A., M. L., October, 1851. 



COEBESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 431 

g^^It is folly to suppose, that less than two mounted regiments^ 
(new) can preserve the quiet of this Territory, and enforce treaty 
stipulations with our Indians. 

fil^^The Governor should have, at his command, munitions of war, 
and authority to call out the Militia. 

2^^ The military and civil authorities of the Territory, with but 
few exceptions, are in hostile array and one, or both should be releived 
from duty in this Territory. 
I am, 

With great respect. 

Your obedient Servant 

J. S. Calhoun 
Hon. Danl. Webster 

Sec. of State, 

Washington City, 

D. C. 

[CALHOUN TO BAKER.'] 

Executive Office Santa Fe 

October Ist 1851. 
Hon. Grafton Baker 

Chief Justice <&g 
Dear Sir. 

It is with pleasure that I have heard of your intention to visit the 
Federal Capitol with a view to an improvement of the Organic Law 
of this Territory, which is now so defective. 

From my knowledge of the importance of this mission, I am satis- 
fied that you can promote the interests of the Territory vastly at 
Washington, while none of your judicial duties will be omitted here. 
While I shall regret your absence, yet I am confident the good of 
the Territor}^ requires it, and I therefore cordially approve of the 
measure. 

I am, sir, 

Respectfully &c 

James S. Calhoun 
[ Related Correspondence. ] 
[mower and watts to baker ^] 

Santa Fe Sept 18th 1851 
Hon. Grafton Bakee 

Chief Justice &c 
Dear sir, 

We have heard with unfeigned pleasure that you intend to visit Washington 
during the coming session, if compatible with your duties here. We certainly 
trust you will carry into effect this project, inasmuch as we believe you can 

1 B. I. A., M. L., October, 1851. 
« Ibid. 



432 COKRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

render more service to the judiciary aud the country there than to spend the va- 
cation at Santa Fe. The defective condition of the present organic law, its in- 
applicability to the wants of the Territory, and the need of some person at the 
Federal Capitol intimately acquainted with these defects, and the remedies to be 
applied, all suggest forcibly to our minds, the need of your presence at Washing- 
ton. The present unhappy condition and poverty of the Territory, the necessity 

the 
of strong interposition of Congressional aid, also, requires your presence to 

strengthen the Delegate in the discharge of his arduous duties. 

In view of these and other facts we cannot too highly commend your pur- 
pose, knowing it will result in so much benefit to the Government and the 
people, while your absence will not interfere in the least with the full dis- 
charge of all of your Judicial duties. 
We remain. Dear Sir, 
Yours very truly 

H. Mow KB 

J. S. Watts 
[WEIGHTMAN TO BAKER. ^] 

Santa Ve. Nkw Mexico, Sept JHtli J851. 
Judge Grafton Bakek, 
Sib, 

In view of the disorganized state of affairs in this Territory for want of suffi- 
cient Congressional legislation, and the great necessity for early action by 
Congress in reference to the courts here, I desire to impress upon you the im- 
portance of yourself visiting Washington this Winter, and to urge upon you to 
do so, in order that your efforts may be joined to mine in urging immeiliate and 
sufficient action in relation to the Courts and .Judiciary. 

Your services in Washington will, in my opinion, be more valuable tli.iu if you 
were to remain here. Between your fall & sjiring terms there is, I believe, 
ample time to go and return, and without missing any of your terms of court. 
By taking the steii I now urge ui)on you, you will. I believe, be able 1<> render 
to the people of this country the most important services. 
Yours Truly 

R. H. Weightman 

[CALHOUN TO LEA.-J 

Executive Department 
Santa Fe', New Mexico, 

Octr. U 1851. 
Sir, 

number of 
There have been murders, and the depredations com- 

mitted during the past month have not been exceeded in any previous 
month since I have been a resident of this Territory — Three murders 
have come to my knowledge — but the depredations have not been 
heavy, owing, in part, to the want of the desired materials, heretofore 
consumed^ (carried off) by our lords of the mountains and valleys — 



IB. I. A., M. L., October, 1851. 

* O. I. A., New 'Mexico Supy., N 150 ; Annual Report Commissioner Indian Affairs, 1851, 
pp. 204-205. 



COERESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 433 

We can not do with less than two (new) Mounted regunents — and 
the Governor must have authority to call out the militia, and the 
control of war munitions, and the means to subsist and pay the 
Militia. 

I have, now, access to the appropriations for the Navajos^ and 
Utahs. But what can I do with them ? I can not get to the Indian 
country, in safety, for the want of military cooperation. There is 
another question you must consider. By authority of the Depart- 
ment, during the past year, I made treaties with certain Pueblos — 
During the present year, without special authority, I made a treaty 
with the Apaches east of the Kio del Norte. To use the appropri- 
ations mentioned, must be well considered, or the Pueblos, and 
Apaches may manifest their discontent — The Pueblos are daily tam- 
pered with, and my utmost exertions are required to prevent out- 
breaks — The want of harmony between the military and civil authori- 
ties, is well understood by them, and their management will become 
more difficult, if it is not already so. Their discontent must not be 
increased. These Christian Indians are a dangerous people, but none 
can be made more useful if proper care is taken with them — There 
should be no delay in this matter — 

In conclusion — I must say — the Military officers and the executive 
can not harmonize, and I am not certain that the public interests 
would not be promoted by releiving us all from duty in this Territory. 
With great respect, &c &c &c. 

J. S. Calhoun 

Hon L. Lea, 

Comr. Ind. Afs. 

[Belated Correspondence.] 
[SUMNER TO JONES.^] 

Head Qurs, 9th Dept: 

FoKT Union, N M 

January 1st 1852 
Genekax, 

I have the honor to report, that I returned last night from El Paso. I found 
the posts of Fort Fillmore, and Fort Conrad, well advanced, and the troops are 
now in quarters built by themselves, at all the new posts. This labor has 
improved the health and efficiency of my command. I broke up entirely the 
establishment at El Passo, which was very expensive and useless. I left an 
officers guard in that vicinity for the winter. I have established a new post at 
the " Copper Jlines," in the Apache Country, which I think will effectually curb 
that tribe. I have a squadron of horse stationed temporarily at Galisteo, and 
a company of Infantry at Taos, these commands will form the garrison for the 

1 Sumner did eventually co-operate with Calhoun in the matter of dealing with the 
Navajos. See bis letter to the Adjutant-General, January 1st, 1852, also McFerran'g 
orders to Brooks. 

»A. G. O., Old Book, No. 1, also Department of New Mexico, vol. 8, pp. 96-98. 

5021—15 28 



434 COKKESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

new post in the Utah Country, and will move there as soon as the spring opens. 
On my return to Santa Fe, I found the Navajos had sent in now that tliey 
wished to make peace, and the Governor and I went to " Jamez " to meet them 
in Council. We met about 200 and I talked to them very plainly. 

I told them, (and they knew it to be true,) that the troops at Fort Defiance 
could and would prevent them from raising a single field of grain, unless they 
remained at peace. 

They promised to keep quiet, and to restore all their Mexican prisoners, and 
as a pledge that they would keep faith they gave up three hostages. I was 
opposed entirely to any presents being given to this people, until they had been 
put on probation for at least six months. They have violated every treaty that 
has ever been made with them and it would have been much better to have held 
them for a time, with a rod of iron over their heads. The Governor gave them 
presents to the amount of 2, or 3, thousand dollars, and these Indians will 
undoubtedly feel that their submission has been purchased. 

I am by no means certain, that this mistake will not jeopardize all the good 
results to be expected from placing a post in the Navajo Country & I consider 
the mistake so important that I wish to make known to the Department, my 
decided dissent, and disapprobation of this measure 

I find it indispensably necessary to remove my head quarters from this post, 
to Albuquerque, on the Ilio Grande, in order to be nearer to the new posts in 
the Indian country. Circumstances might arise that would make it very impor- 
tant, that I should be within striking distance of these posts. I have to 
acknowleclge the receipt of your letter of November 15, ISul. The map will be 
commenced immediately by Capt. Pope of the Engineers. 
With high respect 

Your obt. Servt, 

[E. V. Sumner.] 

Bvt Maj Genl R Jones "■'= : - . ^ 

Adjt: Genl: 
Copy sent to Div Hd Qurs 

'Note Jany 3/52 From information I received last night, I am disappointed 
to find, that all the troops at Fort Fillmore are not yet in Quarters. They will 
be however very soon 

[McFERRAN TO BROOKS.^] 

Head Quarters, 9th Mil : Dept : 

Fort Union, N. M. 

October 24th 185 J. 
Colonel, 

The Colonel Commanding the Department directs me to say, that he desires 
you to furnish his excellency, Governor J. S. Calhoun, Superintendent of In- 
dian Affairs, in this Territory, with a suitable escort to accompany him to the 
Utah Country, for the purpose of carrying into effect a Treaty stipulation with 
that tribe of Indians 

I am Col : Very respectfully 
Your obt: Serv't: 

J. C McFerran 

2 Lt Sd Inf 

A. A. A. a 
Col: H. Brooks, 

Comdg: U. 8. Troops, 
Santa Fe, 
N. M. 

1 A. G. O., Department of New Mexico, vol. 8, pp. 57-58. 



COKRESPONDENCE OE JAMES S. CALHOUN. 435 

[CALHOUN TO WEBSTER.^] 

Executive Department 

Santa Fe, Neav Mexico. 

Octoher 1 1851. 
Sir, 

The accompanying copy of an Act, " Establishing the Seat of Gov- 
ernment of the Territory of New Mexico ", is so plain as to do away 
with the propriety of any effort, upon my part, to submit explana- 
tory remarks. I will, however, say, that the place, called the Palace,^ 
with the grounds apportaining, does, or should 'belong to this Terri- 
tory. 

In reference to all public property, some one should have author- 
ity to take possession of it, without detriment to the claim of the 
United States, or to this Territory. 

The Legislature, if there should not be an extra session, will meet 
on the first monday in December, next, and it may be desirable to lay 
before them your reply. 
I am, 

With great respect. 

Your obedient servant, 

J. S. Calhoun 
Hon. Danl. Webster, 

S>ec. of State, 

Washington City. 
D.G. 

[ Related Correspondence. ] 

[SUMNER TO CONRAD.^] 

Hkad Quarters, 9th Depi' : 

Albuquerque, N. M. 

December 22nd 1852. 
The Honble: C. M. Conbad 
Sec: of War: 

Washington, D. C. 
Sib: 

1 have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of October 11th 
last, relating to an application of Judge Baker to the Secretary of the Interior 
for rooms for the Court at Santa Fe'. There has been some strange misap- 
prehension in this affair. I never assigned any rooms in the palace for the 
Court. When I took charge of the civil government last spring, I found the 
Courts were using the legislative hall in the palace, and I made no change 
whatever, except to give them a part of another building for a jury room. I 
have now relinquished to the civil authorities, all the buildings that are 

i.B. I. A., M. li., October, 1851. 

2 There seems to have been quite a little trouble about the occupancy of rooms In the 
" Palace." Note the letter from Sumner to Conrad. 

^ A. G. O., Department of New Mexico, vol. 8, p. 414. 



436 COEKESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

habitable, belonging to the War Department at Santa Fe', except those in the 
actual occupation of the company stationed there. 
I am, Sir, with high respect. 
Your Obt: Servant. 

E V Sumner 
Bvt: Col: U. 8. A. Lt: Col: 1st Drags 



Conidg: dept: 



[CALHOUN TO LEA,'] 



Executive Departiment 

Santa Fe N. M. 

October 1st 1851. 
gm 

I have this day drawn on you for One Hundred and Fifty Dol- 
lars, at One days sight payable to the Hon Grafton Baker, or order, 
which amount you will please place to my account, in the quarter 
ending September 30"* 1851. my abstract and account current will 
show for what purpose it was used. By honoring said draft you 
will much oblige 

Your Obedient Servant 

J. S. Calhoun 
Hon Luke Lea 

Commissioner of Ind. Afs. 

Washington City 

D. C. 

[CALHOUN TO LEA.'] 

ExECUTTv^ Department 
Santa Fe, New Mexico 

October 2, 1851. 
Sir, 

I enquire, respectfully, whether I have the right to fill vacancies, 
temporarily, in Indian Agencies, within this Superintendency ? 

If a change should come over the spirit of our military friends, 
so far as to afford escorts &c. I may assume the responsibility of 
employing an Agent — 

Instruct me in the way I should go — 
With great respect, 

Your obedient Servant, 

J. S. Calhoun 
Hon. L. Lea 

Comr. Ind. Affs. 

Washington City 

D. C. 

1 O. I. A., New Mexico Supy., N 148. 
a Ibid.. N 151. 



I 



COKEESPONDENCE OF JAMES B. CALHOUN. 437 

[CALHOUN TO WEBSTER.^] 

Executive Department/ 

Santa Fe^ New Mexico, October 19, 1851. 
Sir: 

I have the honor to lay before you a " statement of salaries due 
the officers of the civil government of New Mexico, under the 
Kearny code, from the treasury of the United States." 

I can not say that the statement is perfectly accurate, but I have 
no reason to doubt the fact. I have not had time to examine it. 
Governor Munroe, my immediate predecessor, approved and caused 
to be transmitted to Washington a copy of this statement, except the 
appended report signed by the auditor and treasurer. 

I cannot too strongly urge the government of the United States 
to provide for the immediate payment of these claims, not only be- 
cause justice to the claimants named demand it, but for the reason 
that $12,098 64 is due to the territorial treasury, to which may be 
added $1,384.36 due members of the legislature of 1847; and there 
is not one dollar in the territorial treasury, and the collection of 
taxes is resisted, with no prospect of an early adjustment of the ques- 
tion involved. May I not, then, be pardoned for earnestly pressing 
upon your consideration the importance of an early settlement of 
these claims. 

I am, with great respect, your obedient servant, 

J. S. Calhoun. 

Hon. Daniel Webster, 

Secretary of State, Washington City, D. G. 

LHILL TO CALHOUN".^'] 

Memphis October W^^ 1851 
J. S. Calhoun Esq 

Yours of the 28"" August last is received, saying that " your Terri- 
tory had not yet passed a law authorising the appointment of Com- 
missioners in other States." When such a law is in force please, to 
remember my Application 
Very Eespectfully 

Your Obt Ser^ 

HuaiE F Hill 

1 Accompanying Report of Secretary of War, May 3, 1852, Senate Ex. Doc, 32nd Con- 
gress, 1st session, No. 71, p. 3. 

' O. I. A., New Mexico Supy., Miscellaneous Files, no flle-mark. 



438 CORKESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

[GREINER TO CALHOUN.^ 

Don Fernandez de Taos Oct 20 1851 
His Excellency Gov Calhoun 

Siiperintendent of Indian Affairs N. M. 
Sir 

On the 4th instant a large party of Kiowa's & Arrapahoes attacked 
a Eutaw Village on the Lattira near Red River, about 30 miles from 
Taos, and drove off about 50 head of horses & mules and captured 
two women and four children. 

On the 15th inst they made another attack upon the same Band 
within 18 miles of Taos on the opposite bank of the Rio Grande and 
drove off nearly all their remaining stock. 

The Eutaws were forced to retreat to the Ojo Caliente, where they 
now are uniting their forces in order to make a Campaign against 
these marauding Indians. 

I know of no remedy to check these outrages The Military force 
stationed here can afford no assistance. The post intended to be 
established in the Eutaw Country has — I learn — been abandoned 
until next Spring. The Eutaws are peaceable and kindly disposed 
towards our Citizens, and have behaved well 

Travellers alone and unprotected have been received at their lodges 
and treated with the greatest hospitality. 

Will your Excellency be pleased to inform me if any means can be 
devised by which the Eutaws can be protected in their lives and 
property from the depredations of the Prarie tribes. 
Very Respectfully 

Your Obedient Servant 

John Greiner 

[GREINEE TO CALHOUN] 

Indian Agent 

New Mexico 
His Excellency Gov Calhoun 

Sa7na Fe N. M. 
P. S. I trust your Excellency will not overlook the fact, that prepa- 
rations are being made by the Citizens of this Valley & others, to 
settle the lands claimed by the Eutaws in the Valley of the Los 
Conejos. 

The Indians have repeatedly driven the Mexicans from this land — 
they say it is their Winter hunting gi-ound that it contains the bones 
of their Fathers, and they cannot & will not give it up quietly. 
Very Respectfully 

Your Obt Servant 

John Greiner 

» Enclosure of Calhoun to Webster. Oct. 20, 1851 ; B. I. A , M. L.. October. 1851. 



CORRESPONDENCE OP JAMES S. CALHOUN. 439 

[SUMNER TO CALHOUN.'] 

Head Quarters, 9th Mil : Dept : 

Fort Union, N. M. 

October 2Iith 1851. 
Governor, 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 
21st inst: 

You are right in supposing that the article referred to in the news- 
paper is a mistake, I never intended to be so understood. 

I believe I said somewhere in conversation that the troops could 
never be used to enforce the laws of the territory, until the civil 
authorities required their aid, by the usual legal forms, or something 
to that effect, meaning in tumults and the like. 
Very respectfully 

Your obt: Servt: 

E V Sumner 
Bvt: Col: U. S. A. 

Oomdg: Dept: 
His Excy. J. S. Calhoun 

[SUMNER TO CALHOUN.'] 

Head Quarters, 9th Dept: 

Fort Union, N. M. 

October 24th 1851. 
Governor, 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 
21st inst : 

I am clearly of the opinion, that the treaty stipulation with the 
Utahs should be carried into effect immediately, and I will with 
pleasure furnish the necessary escort. I wish to apprise that people, 
that it is my intention to place a post in their country next spring, 
and that I expect we shall continue to be on the most friendly terms. 

AVith regard to the Navajos, they have broken, and set at naught 
so many treaties, that it seems useless to treat with them. I think it 
will be better to let them feel, for a time that we have a grasp upon 
them that they cannot shake off and then when we do treat with them 
they will keep faith. If the large post established at the Caiion 
Bonito, in the heart of the Navajo Country, does not effectually re- 
strain those Indians, and put a stop to further depredations, nothing 
will do it but their entire extermination. 

I have directed Colonel Brooks, to furnish you with an escort to the 
Utah Country. 

*A. G. O., Department of New Mexico, vol. 8, p. 55. 
* Ibid., p. 66. 



440 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

I should like to confer with you in relation to the Navajoes, before 
any action is taken with regard to them. I will be in Santa Fe on 
the 8th of Next Month, on my way to El Paso. 
With high respect 

Your ob't: Servt: 

E V Sumner 

Bvt: Col: U.S.A. 

Comdg : Dept: 
His Excely: J. S. Calhoun. 

[CALHOUN TO WEBSTER.'] 

Executive Department 
Santa Fe, New Mexio^ 

October 2St}i 1851. 
Sir 

The accompanying " Statement " shows, if the claims should be 
allowed, that $12,098.64 is due to the Territorial Treasury, and 
$1384.36 to members of the Legislature of 1847. In the event that 
Congress shall provide for the payment of these claims, it is desiied, 
that the amounts named above should be placed to the credit of the 
Territory, subject to be drawn for as its Legislature may direct. 
I am. 

With great respect. 

Your obedient Servant, 

J. S. Calhoun 
Hon. Danl. Webster 

Secretary of State^ 

Washington City 
D. G. 

[CALHOUN TO WEBSTER."] 

Executive Department 

Santa Fe, New Mexico 

October 20th 1851. 
Sir, 

The receipt of your communication of the 13th of Septembor last, 
is, hereby, acknowledged. Anxious as I am to visit the States vi an 
early day, I am constrained to say, the Governor of this Territory 
could not, with propriety, leave the Territory at this time. On the 
first monday in December next, the Legislature commences its second 
session: and, I fear, under circumstances that will, justly^ in n)y 
opinion, create dissatisfaction among the members. I apprehend, 
ample arrangements to defray the legitimate expenses of the Session, 

IB. I. A., M. L., October, 1851. 
2 Ibid. 



COEKESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOTTN. 441 

will not be provided in time — I have also to say, sound policy re- 
quires that the legislature should be authorized, if it is not already 
so, to pass upon all expenditures, by appropriations, at least to the 
same extent that the Oregon Legislature is authorized by the con- 
cluding sentence of Sec: 11. Do you not think so? Col. Sumuor'^s 
expedition to the Navajo country has been productive of no good, as 
yet, and if an effort I am now making fails, the people of the Terri- 
tory, to some extent, will be forced to take care of themselves, ')r 
consent to lie down quietly, and be plundered and butchered. A 
similar disagreeable statement I have made to you before, and have 
begged for authority and means to protect the people of this Terri- 
tory, and I have been honored with no reply to my entreaties. 

We have a treaty with the Utahs, and the Kioways, and perhaps 
other Indians, are now at war with the Utahs upon the immediate 
borders of our settlements, and as our troops seem to be in winter 
quarters, our frontier disorders must increase — I have reliable 
authority for saying, that arrangements are now being made, by a 
large number of Mexicans to seize one or more points claimed by the 
Utahs, which the Utahs declare they will resist to the death. Such 
outrages should be prevented, and a military arm is absolutely neces- 
sary to secure that result. 
I am, 

With great respect, 

Your obedient servant, 

J. S. Calhoun 
Hon: Daniel Webster 

Secretary of State 

Washington City 
D. G. 
P. S. See accompanying letter from Jno. Griener Esq. Ind. Agt. 
&c. Oct. 20. 51. 

J. s. c. 

[LEA TO CALHOUN.'] 

Department of the Interior, 

Office Indian Affairs, 

Oct 29. 1851 
Calhoun, His Excy J. S. 

Santa T^e, 
New Mexico 
Sni: 

Your letter of the 17th Augt. last advising of having drawn upon 
this office for $2000, on account of salaries of Agents &c was received 
on the 22d instant. 



' O. I. a., L. B., No. 45, p. 



442 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

The draft, subsequently presented, has been paid. To prevent 
double or conflicting payments of the salaries of the Agents within 
your Superintendency, it is proper you should be informed of the 
payments that have been made here on powers of Attorney. They 
are as follows: 

On a/c of Agent Wooley, one qr. salary ending 32 June 1851 $387.50 
" " " " Greiner 1/3 of 2 qrs. " " 5 Oct " 258.32 

" " " " Weightman 2 qrs " " 12 Sept " 775.00 



$1420. 82 
Very respectfully Your Obt. Servt 

L Lea 

CoTYir. 
[CALHOUN TO LEA.'] 

Executive Department 

Santa Fe, New Mexico 

October 29th. 1851. 
Sir, 

Your letters of the 23d of August, and September 8th, last, were 
received last night. 

In reference to contingencies, I must beg the Department to extend 
its figures in reference to this Superintendency, at least, for the 
present — The Pueblo boundaries must be established, and rules and 
regulations for their government, and for intercourse with them, 
must be adopted, before you can, with safety to the 'public, economize 
in this branch of the public service. You must not forget, the In- 
dians are not the worst people in this Territory, and increasing efforts 
are daily made to drive them to desperation against the existing ad- 
ministration of its civil affairs, which must be counteracted ; and this 
can not be done without money — 

In the absence of the two agents — Weightman and Wingfield, if it 
becomes necessary, I shall assume the responsibility of drawing the 
$500. allowed to each of them. 

If you should acknowledge the receipt of this letter, I beg you to 
remember the foregoing statement, and if necessary, correct my 
errors. 

I am, with great respect, 

Your obedient Servant, 

J. S. Calhoun 
Swpt. Ind. Affa. 
Hon : L. Lea 

Comr. Ind. Affs. 

Washington City 
D. G. 

lO. I. a.. New Mexico Supy., N 154. 



COBRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 443 

[CALHOITN TO LEA.*] 

Executive Department 
Santa Fe N M, Octr 31, 1851. 
Sir 

The foregoing schedule of two drafts approved and three drawn 
by myself, is sufficiently explanatory of the appropriations to be 
charged, whether I shall have use for the amounts drawn on the 
Navajo and Utah Treaty appropriations is doubtful. As Col Sum- 
ner declines furnishing me with the facilities necessary to get amongst 
the Navajoes, I can do nothing with them, unless they come to me. 
Col Sumner has ordered an escort, to accompany me to the Utah 
Country, but to what extent I know not ; see my letter of tomorrow's 
date. 

Unless Col Sumner and myself can adopt a plan, by which we can 
harmonize, but a very inconsiderable amount of the treaty drafts 
will be used. As we have monthly mails only, it was deemed advis- 
able to draw these drafts at this time, in order to be prepared for 
contingencies that may arise. 
Very Respectfully 

Your Obed Servt 

J. S. Calhoun 
Supt. Ind. Afs 
Hon L Lea 

Commissioner c&c 

Washington City 
D C. 

[Inclosure.] 
SCHEDULE A. 

Drafts approved and drawn this day by James S. Calhoun Gov 
& Sup of Ind Affs. to be paid from salaries of Agents, and appro- 
priations made at the last session of the 31st Congress to fulfil Treaty 
stipulations with the Navajoe and Utah Indians — as follows — viz. 

Draft drawn by John Greiner Indian Agent at sight, in 

favor of Saml Galloway Esq, approved Oct STst for $500.00 

'* " " A R Woolley " " " Sixty days, 

in favor of J. Lucas Esq, approved Oct 31st " $387. 50 

" " " J. S. Calhoun Gov & Sup. in favor of 
Gans Leberman & Co, dated Oct 31, at sight, payable 
from appropriation for Utah Indians $8, 000. 00 

D. Waldo & Co. " " " " " payable 

from appropriation for Navajo Indians $1, 500. 00 

Alexander Majors " " " " " " " " $1,000.00 

Santa Ffi N. M., Oct Slst 1851. 

lO. I. A., New Mexico Supy., N 157. 



444 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

[CALHOUN TO LEA/] 

Executive Department 

Santa Fe, New Mex. 

Now. 1, 1851 
Sm, 

At the request of Col, Woolley, Ind. Agt. I have the honor to trans- 
mit to you, his Abstract and Vouchers, and Account Current, made up 
to the 1st day of October, last. 

If I should exercise any supervision over Such returns, be pleased 
so to advise me, and remember, I have not had forwarded to me the 
rules and regulations of the Department, and daily am I groping 
my way in the dark. 
I am. 

With great respect, 

Your obedient Servant. 

J. S. Calhoun 
Hon. L. Lea, Supt. Ind. Affs 

Comr. Ind. Afs. 

Washington City, 

D. C. 

[CALHOUN TO SUMNER.'] 

Executive Department 

Santa Fe, New Mexico 

November 9th 1851. 
Sir: 

A moment since, the accompanying application was handed to me, 
and, in accordance with the wishes of the applicants, I make the ap- 
plication to you, as they request, as the Territory, in its capacity as 
such, is entirely destitute of the munitions of War — They desire arms 
and acoutrements for seventy five and if you can with propriety 
grant them, I, as the Governor of Territory, will have pleasure in 
receipting for them. 

With great respect, 

Your Obt Servt 

(Signed) J. S. Calhoun 

Col: E. V. Sumner, 

Comdg. 9th Mil. Deft. 

Santa Fe, 

New Mex: 
A true Copy. 

J C McFerran 

1st Lt 3d Inf 

A. A. A. G 

10. I. a., New Mexico Supy., N 158. 

*A. G. O., Files, S 576 of 1851, No. 8. This Is the first of a series comprehended In 
the communication from Sumner to Jones on p. 445. 



CORRESPONDENCE OP JAMES S. CALHOUN. 445 

[Belated Correspondence.] 

[SUMNER TO JONES ^] 

Head Quarters, 9th. Dept 

Fort Conrad, N. Mexico, 

November 20, 1851. 
General. 

I regret to trouble the Genl. in-chief with a voluminous correspondence with 
Governor Calhoun. I have endeavoured to avoid these differences as much as 
possible, but in this case it was so important to prevent any Mexican maraud- 
ing parties from traversing the indian country, that I was obliged to enter into 
this discussion. 

This predatory war has been carried on for two hundred years, between the 
Mexicans & Indians, quite time enough to prove, that unless some change is 
made the war will be interminable. They steal women and children, and Cattle, 
from each other, and in fact carry on the war, in all respects, like two indian 
nations. 

This system of warfare will interfere very much with my measures, and in- 
deed do away with all the advantages, that I confidently expect to reap from the 
establishment of Fort Defiance. This large post is in the very midst of the 
Indians and cannot fail to cramp them in all their movements, and it will harrass 
them so much, that they will gladly make peace, and keep quiet, provided, they 
find that the post can protect, as well as punish. They have already shown a 
disposition to enter into a treaty, and have sent a message to the Governor, 
that they would come to Santa Fe' for that purpose. 

I would respectfully request that explicit orders. may be sent, by the proper 
authorities, to Gov. Calhoun, to abstain from sending any war parties of Mexi- 
cans into the indian Country, and that he should confine himself strictly to 
defensive measures, within the Country occupied by the Mexicans. 
With high Respect 

Your Obt. Servant 

[E. v. Sumnee] 
Bvt. Maj. Genl. R. Jones 
Adjt. Genl. 

[BECK AND OTHERS TO CALHOUN.'] 

Santa Fe, Novemher 9th, 1851. 
Sir 

A volunteer company, composed of the American citizens of this 
place have organized, for the purpose of protecting, or aiding to pro- 
tect the inhabitants from the frequent incursions and depredations 
of the Wild Indians who surround us, and as you are aware, are con- 
tinually coming into our settlements. The difficidty we labor under, 
for our complete and effectual organization is the want of suitable 
arms and acoutrements. And we respectfully pray Your Excellency 
to furnish us with them, and in case you may not have them at your 

lA. G. O., Files S 576 of 1851; C 17 of 1815; Department of New Mexico, Old Book, 
No. 1. 

•Enclosure of Calhoun to Sumner, November 9, 1851. 



446 COERESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

command to request Col : Sumner the Mil commander of this Dept. 
to supply us with the necessary arms, from the surplus arms in his 
possession. 

Very Respy, 

Your Obt Servants 

(Signed) Preston Beck, Jr. Gapt. 

J. E. Sabine 1st Lt. 
Elias Brevourt 2nd do 
D. V. Whiting 3rd Lt.& Adjt 
H. E. 

J. S. Calhoun, 

Govr. of the Territory 
New Mexico 

A true Copy. 
J C McFerran 

Ut Lt 3d Inf 

A. A. A. G 
[Related Correspondence.] 

[Mcferran to SHOEMAKER.i] 

Head Quarters 9th Mil Dept 

Santa ¥t, N. Mex: 

November 10, 1851. 
Sib: 

The Colonel commanding the Dept : directs that you turn over to His Excel- 
lency Govr. J. S. Calhoun of this territory, seventy five flmt lock muskets, with 
the same uumher of cartridge boxes, bayonet scabbards, belts and plates and a 
few screw drivers and wipers, for which he will furnish you with receipts. 

This Ordnance is turned over at the solicitation of the Governor to aid him 
in organising some companies of the Territorial mulitia, and will be turned 
over to the General Government. 

The Arms &c are to be used by a Company organised in this place, and of 
which Mr Prestin Beck is captain. 
I am, Sir, respectfully 
Tour obt. Svt. 

J. C. McFekban 

1st Lt 3d Inf 

A. A. A. O. 
To Capt. W R Shoemaker 
Mil. U. 8. A. 

Fort Union, 
N M 



A. G. O., Department of New Mexico, Old Book, No. 1. 



COREESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 447 

[CALHOUN TO SUMNER.'] 

Executive Department 
Santa Fe', New Mexico 

Novemher P, 1851. 
Sir. 

It escaped my recollection to enquire concerning the San Felipe 
claim for injuries inflicted by the animals belonging to Maj Euckers 
train, and you will pardon me for calling your attention to the 
subject — 

I also, omitted to enquire whether you consider us at War or peace 
with the Cayatores Apaches. 
With great respect 

Your Obt Servant 

(Signed) J. S. Calhoun 

Col : E. V. Sumner, 

Gomdg 9th Mil: Dept. 

Santa Fe\ 

N. Mexico. 

A true copy. 
J. C. McFerran 

1st Lt 3d Inf 

A. A. A. a 

[CAIiHOUN TO SUMNER.'] 

t . Executive Department 

Santa Fe', New Mexico, 

November 10th 1851. 
Sir: 

Tlie numerous murders and depredations recently committed by 
Navajo, and perhaps other Indians, in this Territory, call for an 
effectual interposition. The winter is at hand, and ruthless invaders 
are in our midst, and, unless adequate protection is afforded, our 
firesides must be rendered desolate before the spring season of the 
ensuing year is reached. For more than twelve months past the 
people have continued to ask for permission to protect themselves, 
and have not obtained it. Justice and humanity forbid that I 
should interfere further in their wishes to protect themselves — On 
the contrary, as the Governor of the Territory, the solemn duty is 
imposed upon me, to assist them in every proper measure of defense — 
and that duty I am called upon to discharge, and that duty I shall 
proceed, to enter upon, unless I perceive the distribution of your 
troops have secured the end desired to be attained. The small number 



lA. G. O., Files, S 576 of 1851, No. 7. 
> Ibid., No. 9. 



448 COKKEsPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

of troops at your disposal, and the condition of your horses I ap- 
prehend, renders such a result impracticable. Hence it may be 
absolutely necessary to allow the people to defend themselves against 
the Navajo assaults. I have anxiously considered this subject, and 
weighed, to the best of my ability, the observations which you sub- 
mited to me in conversations on yesterday, and the preceding day, 
and it is my well considered opinion that your positions are utterly 
untenable — You seem to overlook the fact, that the Navajo Country 
is in New Mexico^ and a part of its Territory, and that the supposed 
line between New Mexico and the Navajo Country is purely an 
imaginary one, and must so remain until the Government of the 
United States shall otherwise order. The right which you claim of 
interposing United States troops, to prevent the ingress, and to punish 
such troops as I may order, or authorize to go into that part of 
New Mexico, over which the Navajos now roam, is not, m my opinion 
more tenable than would be your claim to interpose between the suffer- 
ing people of this Territory, and the Navajoes who are in our settle- 
ments committing murders, seizing and carrying off captives, and 
committing every species of depredations. 

Is it possible, that the murderers of our people are to go unpunished 
our women and children to be carried off, and our property taken 
away, and the people are not to be permitted to go in pursuit of those 
demons who have possession of their wives and children and prop- 
erty beyond a purely imaginary line, without incurring the risk of 
having pointed at them, by the troops of tlie U. S. the very arms 
placed in their hands for our defense and protection — AVliat! that 
arm of the public service sent to New Mexico to chastise the blood 
thirsty Indians because of their depredations upon our people, to 
become the defenders of the Indians and chastise new Mexican troops 
because they are authorized to seek and attempt redress and secure 
that protection due to the people, but which has not as yet been 
afforded to them by that power from whence it should come. 

I hold, that it is right and lawful to allow the people of this ter- 
ritorj'^, throughout its broad limits to protect themselves against 
Indian incursions, when the law of the land, and the military arm of 
the government, are inadequate to prevent and punish the Navajo 
fiends who have fattened and luxuriated upon the miseries, which the 

upon 
have inflicted the people of this Territory. 

I pray you reflect upon this subject again, and if you can with pro- 
priety, withdraw the intimation that the United States troops will 
be used against troops that I may authorize, by authority of the Leg- 
islature of this Territory, to avenge their own wrongs we have not, 
as yet, subdued our enemies, that will give us labor enough, and if 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 449 

we cannot agree in all things, let us not, unnecesarily, vail out by the 
wayside — I am determined to harmonize if possible, but never can 
consent to fold my arms, and quietly look on such scenes of desolation 
as we have recently witnessed in this Territory, without making an 
effort to remedy it. 

I have frankly stated my views, that I may not be misunderstood, 
and shall be happy to hear from you. 
I am with great respect 



(Signed) J. S. Calhoun 



Your obt Servt 

Col : E. V. Sumner 

Comdg 9th Mil Dept. 
Santa Fe\ N. M. 

A true Copy. 
J C McFerran 

1st Lt 3d Inf. 

A.A.A.G 

[SUMNER TO CALHOUN.^] 

Head Qrs 9th Mily Dept 

Santa Fe N M 
Now 10th 1851 
Governor 

I have received your two letters dated yesterday. With regard to 
think 
the San Felipe claim I that matter had better be deferred a 

short time. I shall see Maj Rucker at Fort Conrad and can then 

least suspicious 
learn something more about it It is at feesfe-stwpi^isift^ that those 
people did not apply to the officer in command of the train 

I do not know which band of Apachies you refer to, if j^ou mean 
that with which you have treated, I consider it at peace, as I know 

been 
of no depredations that have committed by that band since I 

have been in the Territory 

I accede cheerfully to your request for the loan of arms for a 
Volunteer Company in this town and orders have been given accord- 
ingly I must affix two conditions to this loan viz. that these arms 
will be immediately returned whenever demanded by the Command- 
ing officer of the 9th Dept. — and secondly that they are never to 
be used in making hostile incursions into the Indian Country unless 
this volunteer company is acting in conjunction with the regular 

1 a. G. O., Old Book, No. 1, also Department of New Mexico, vol. 8, pp. 70-71, also 
Flies, S 576 of 1851, No. 1. 

5021—15 29 



450 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN, 

troops Will you do me the favor to inform me at your earliest 
convenience what decision you have come to in relation to the ma- 
rauding parties that desire to go into the Navajo Country. 
With high Respect 



Your obt svt 



(Signed) ' E. V Sumner 

Bvt Col. Lt Col 1st Dgs 

Comdg Dept 
His Excellency 
J. S. Calhoun 

Santa Fe 
N.M. 

[SUMNER TO CALHOUN.'] 

Head Qrs 9th Mh,y Dept 

Santa Fe N M 
Now 10th 1851. 
Governor. 

Will you please state to me the scenes of desolation that have 
been recently witnessed in this territory before I reply to your letter 
of this date. 



With high respect 
Your ob't servt 



sgd * E. V. Sumner 

Bvt Col Lt Col 1st Dgs 

Cmdg Dept 
His Excellency 

J. S. Calhoun 

Santa Fe 
N M 

[CALHOUN TO SUMNER.'] 

Executive Department 
Santa Fe', New Mexico 

November 10^ 1851. 

Sir, 

Your very brief note of enquiry, of this date, is before me, and, 
I think, I have not failed to appreciate its spirit. But, Sir, I hasten 
to reply to the enquiry, " Please state to me," " the scenes of desola- 
tion that have been recently witnessed in this Territory ". I really 

1 A. G. O., Old Book, No. 1, also Department of New Mexico, vol. 8, p. 72, also In Files 
S 576 of 1851, No. 2. 

2 A. G. O., Files, S 576 of 1851, No. 10. 



COEBESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 451 

supposed, the letters which I submitted to you on the evening of the 
8th would have satisfied you upon this subject — But as I am disap- 
pointed in this supposition, I answer, the Greenhorn letter, which 
you have seen, shows that a murder and depredations have been 
committed in that neighbourhood. You are aware that depreda- 
tions have been committed, near Taos, and two women and four 
children, (Utahs) were captured and carried off. Those people we 
are bound by treaty to take care of. Two Indians have been recently 
killed in the immediate neighbourhood of Taos — one a Pueblo, and 
the other an Apache — About the same tinie, a Mexican was killed 
near Anton Chico, by an Indian so I am informed and believe. 
These murders, I mentioned to j'^ou on yesterday; and, I fear they 
may be attributed to our difference of opinions as to the proper 
policy to be pursued. My policy is to keep them, for the present, 
beyond the line of our settlements; and yours, if I understand it 
correctly, is, to invite them to come into our settlements — In the 
above connexion, I omitted to mention the murder at the Moro, 
which you will remember. Recently, on the Jornado, two men were 
killed, one a Mexican, and the other an American. About the last 

Aba jo 
of September, at San Antonio, in the Rio Arbass, If I mistake not, 
three Indians were killed by a Mexican, and we may expect a con- 
tinuation of these scenes, so long as we are wanting in a fixed policy 
for the conduct of our Indian affairs in this Territory. 

While you were in the Navajo Country, the Navajos visited a Cabal- 
lado near Pena Blanca, drove off animals, and killed a little girl — 
more recently, the have been on this side of the Rio del Norte, within 
Eighteen miles of this place, and drove off a large number of ani- 
mals. You are aware, I suppose, for, I regard Capt Dodge as re- 
liable authority, that many animals have been driven from the neigh- 
bourhood of Cibolletta during the last two months — I suppose you 
remember the murders committed at Owensby Camp of Hay Cut- 
ters, near Laguna — There, three or four men are said to have been 
killed, animals driven off, and property destroyed — About the same 
time, Nesbits Caballada, in the Valle grande, were carried, or driven 
off, and one or more of his n en wounded. 

Here, I rest, and respectfully enquire, if the foregoing communi- 
cation is not sufficient to justify the declaration that " scenes of deso- 
lation have been recently witnessed in this Territory ". 

During the same period, many other depredations have been com- 
mitted; and immediately in your rear, on your return from your 
Navajo Expedition, Captain Walkers California party was attacked 



452 COKRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

by the Navajos, in which, the party lost several animals, had two 
men -wounded, and finall}'^, retired upon Albuquerque to recuperate. 
I have the honor to be. 

Your Obedient Servant, 

(Signed) J. S. Calhoun 

Col. E. V. Sumner 

Comdg 9. Mil Dept. 

Santa Fe' 

N. Mex: 

(A true Copy) 

J. C. McFerran 

1st Lt 3d Inf 

A. A. A, G 

[SUMNER TO CALHOUN.*] 

Head Qrs. 9th IMily Dept 

Santa Fe N ^I 
Novr. 10th 1S51. 

Go^'ERNOR. 

I have received your letter of this date. You misunderstand me 
entirely if you suppose that I wish to place any obstacle in the way 
of the people of this territory in defending themselves against the 
Indians. So far from this I highly approve of their doing so, and 
think the militia should be organised and armed with a view to this 
defence. This policy would net only make them more secure, but 
would make them more respectable citizens. This however is a very 
different matter from organising marauding parties to traverse the 
Indian Countr3^ This is not the kind of warfare that our govern- 
ment has hitherto condecended to engage in — In conclusion I will 
remark that it will give me the highest satisfaction, to cooperate with 
you in all measures for the protection of the people of this territory 
that are not in direct violation of law and the express orders of the 
War Department. 

I enclose an extract from my orders from the Secretary of War 
and I would particularly call your attention to the first two lines. 
With high respect, 
Your obt svt 

sgd E. V. Sumner 

Bvt Col Lt Col 1st Dgs 
His Excely. Cmdg Dept 

J. S. Calhoun 

Santa Fe 

N.M. 

» a. (}. ().. OUl liook. No. 1, also Department of New Mexico, vol. 8, pp. 71-72, also In 
Files, S 576 of 1851, No. 4. 



COKKESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 453 

[CALHOUN TO SUMNER.'] 

Executi\t; Department 
' Santa Fe, New Mexico, 

November 10^ ISol. 

7 O Clk. P. M. 
Sir: 

I have now to acknowledge the receipt of your letter in reply to 
mine of this morning, and the points to which I desired to call your 
attention, you have not noticed — As to the matter to which our gov- 
ernment has not " condescended to engage in " I leave for others to 
determine — 

I pray to be pardoned for placing before you, the following enquiry 
which I copy from your second note of this date. 

" Will you please state to me " the scenes of desolation that has 
been recently witnessed in this Territory " before I reply to your 
letter of this date." I answered your enquiry, and you have not 
" condescended " to notice it, in your " reply " — 
With Great respect 

Your Obt Servant 

(Signed) J. S. Calhoun 

Col. E. V. Sumner 

Gomdg 9 Mil Dept. 

Santa Fe N M, 

A true Copy. 
J C McFerran 

1st Lt 3d Inf 

A. A. A. a 

[BECK AND OTHERS TO CALHOUN.'] 

Santa Fe, N. M. Novr 11 1851 
Sir, 

Your communication of yesterday in reply to a requisition made by 
us a day previous on Your Excellency for arms for an Independent 
Military Company, lately organized in this city, together with an ex- 
tract from Col. Sumner letter to you on the subject, wherein he states 
that arms may be obtained on " Two conditions alone " has been re- 
ceived and is now before us. 

In reply to which we have to state, that we very respectfully decline 
the 
accepting arms upon conditions imposed by Col. Sumner. 

First, Because we would not be an Independent Company, but 
liable to have our arms taken away from us at a moments notice, and, 

1 a. G. O., Files, S 576 of 1851, No. 11. 

2 Enclosure of Calhoun to Sumner, November 11, 1851, A. G. O., Files, S 576 of 1S5L 
No. 12. Transcribed from copy ; original not in file. 



454 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

2nd Because, we do not wish to be restricted in our incursions by 
tlie Commander of the 9th Department, but held subject only to Your 
Excellency's orders as commander in chief of the Militia of this 
1'erritory. 

And to obtain arms with such privileges, we ask Your Excellency 
to make the proper application for them, of the Secretary of War. 
With high consideration 
of respect We are 

Your Obedient Servants 

(Signed) Preston Beck Jr. 

Jas. E. Sabine 
Elias Brevourt 
D. V. Whiting 
To 

His Excellency 
J. S. Calhoun 
Govr. of the Territory 
of New Meadco, 

A true Copy. 

[CALHOUN TO SUMNER] 

Executive Department 

Santa Fe', New Mexico 

Noi^emher 11. 1851. 

Sir, 

If I am wrong in the us*^ nf the words " scenes of desolation." the 
fault is properly chargeable to the learned Noah Webster, L. L. D. 

Will you oblige me so far as to inform me, ichether it is your fixed 
purpose^ as you have, lieretofore, distinctly intimated, to cause the 
United States troops to be employed in expelling and punishing 
such troops as may be ordered, according to the laios of this Terri- 
tory., into that portion of the Territory of New Mexico over Avhich 
the Navajos roam? 

Unless Ma jr. Rucker can be conferred with at a very early day, 
public considerations will compel me to assume the responsibility of 
paying the San Felipe claims. The six steers, supposed to have been 
left by Majr. Ruckers Teamsters, are yet in the possession of the 
San Felipe Indians at a daily expense to them — Various individuals 
have claimed the steers, and they Indians appealed to me for advice 
as to what they should in the matter — I directed them the animals to 
my order only — will you advise me in relation to your wishes in the 
premises ? 



1 a, G. C, Piles. S 576 of 1851, No. 12. 



CORKESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 455 

In reference to the arms applied for, the accompanying- copy of a 
letter ^ from Capt Beck and others, will answer your enquiry. 
I am. 

With great respect 

Your Obedient Servant 

(Signed) J. S. Calhoun: 

Col E. V. Sumner, 

Comdg. 9th Mil Dept. 

Santa Fe\ 

New Mexico. 

A true Copy. 
J C McFerran 

1st Lt 3d Inf 

A. A. A. G 

[SUMNER TO CALHOUN.'] 

Head Qrs 9th Mily Dept 

Santa Fe N M 

Now nth 1851 
Governor 

I have received your letter of this date. After mature reflections, 
I have determined that I shall not use the regular troops, to expel 
from the Indian Country the marauding parties, that your Excel- 
lency may think proper to commission, as it will not be their fault. 
I hereby protest against any such action on your part, as an inter- 
ferance with my duties, and contrary to the express orders of the 
War Department. 

With high respect _ 

Your obt svt 

[E. V. Sumner] 
His Excely 

J S Calhoun 

[SUMNER TO CALHOUN.''] 

Head Quarters, 9th Dept. 

Santa 7^6, Novemher 11th 1851 
Governor : 

I have received your letter of last evening. I have also to acknowl- 
edge the receipt of your letter detailing the depredations that have 
been committed in this territory for some time past. As we have 

1 See p. 453. 

2 A. G. O., Old Book, No. 1, also Department of New Mexico, vol. 8, pp. 74-75; also in 
Files, S 576 of 1851, No. 5. 

« A. G. O., Old Book, No. 1, also Department of New Mexico, vol. 8, p. 73 ; also in Files, 
S 576 of 1851, No. 3. 



456 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

conversed freely on this subject, I have nothmg to say in reply to 
this letter, but this, that we differ widely as to the signification of the 
term, " scenes of desolation," 

Will you please inform me whether you have decided to receive the 
arms for the volunteer company in this town, on the terms that I pro- 
posed to loan them. Will you also please inform me, if, you will 
consent to delay action in the San Felipe claim, till I can confer with 
Major Eucker, the officer who commanded the party, that caused this 
damage. 

With high respect 

Your Obt. Servt. 

[E. V. Sumner] 
His Excely 

J, S. Calhoun 

[CALHOUN TO SUMNER.'] 

Executive Department 

Santa Fe', New Mexico. 

November 11^ 1851. 
Sir, 

I have this moment received your letter in reply to my enquiry as 
to your final purpose in reference to employing the troops, under your 
command to expel the troops that the law of the Territory has, or 
may authorize me to send to chastise the Navajos. T think you are 
discreet in your determination; but not wise in your application of 
the term " marauding parties " — which you point to me, as an epithet 
of approbrium — Be it so, such measures will not deter me from the 
discharge of my duties, and I thank you for withdrawing the epi- 
thet from the citizens of the territory, and applying it to me, their 
Governor. 

Allow me to remind you, you have not advised me in relation to the 
six steers at San Felipe. 
With high respect 

Your Obedient Servant 

(Signed) J. S. Calhoun 

Col. E. V. Sumner, 

Comdg 9 Mil. Dept. 

Santa Fc% N Mex. 

A true Copy, 
J C McFerran 

1st Lt 3d Inf 

A. A. A. G 

1 a. G. O., Files, S 576 of 1851, No. 13. 



COKEESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUK. 457 

[STJMNER TO CALHOUN/] 

Head Qrs 9th Mil Dept 

Algadonis N M 
Now. 13th 1S51. 
Governor. 

I fe!t¥© received your ojjicial communication of the 11th Inst, after 
I left Santa Fe', and I have given it all the consideration, that I 
think it is entitled to. 

With great Respect 

Your Obt. Servt. 

[E. V. Sumner] 
His Excelly. 

J- S. Calhoun. 

[LEA TO CALHOUN. ==] 

Department of the Interior 

Office Indian Affairs 

Nov. 19. 1S51 
Calhoun, His Excy J S. 

Santa Fe 

Neuo Mexico 
Sir: 

Your letter of the 1st ultimo, has been received, and the draft for 
$150 in favor of G. Baker, of which it gives notice, has been pre- 
sented and paid. 

Very respectfully, Your Obt. Servt 

L Lea 

Comr.. 

[LEA TO CALHOUN.'] 

Department of the Interior. 

Office Indian Affairs 

Nov. W. 1S51, 
Calhoun, His Excy J. S. 

Santa Fe 

New Mexico 
Sir: 

Your draft for $742 38/100, in favor of E H Wingfield, Indian 
Agent, alluded to in your letter of the 30th September last, has been 
presented and paid. 

Very respectfully. Your Obt. Sert 

L Lea 

Comr 

1 A. G. O., Old Book, No. 1, also Department of New Mexico, vol. 8, pp. 75-76 ; also In 
Files, S 576 of 1851, No. 6. 

2 O. I. A., L. B., No. 45, p. 229. 
•Ibid., p. 232. 



458 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

[WEBSTER TO CALHOUN.'] 

Department of State 
Washington Nov. 25th 1851. 
To His Excellency 

James S. Calhoun, 

Governor of the Territory of New Mexico. 

Santa Fe. 
Sir, 

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellencys letter of 
the 23d September, relating to the arrival of four boxes of books 
transmitted from this Department, and the charge of ninety-nine dol- 
lars and fifty cents, $99, 50/100 paid by you for transportation of the 
same. For the reimbursement of this amount or of any other ex- 
penses that have been, or may be hereafter incurred, for the trans- 
portation of any packages of Public Documents, transmitted from 
i^his Department, you are authorized to draw upon this office, enclos- 
ing with your draft a voucher for the same, and the amount will be 
immediately paid. Accompanying your letter and its enclosed cata- 
logue of books received, was a memorandum noticing the omission 
of the 7 and 10 volumes of United States Laws, — the Acts of 1828— 
and certain copies of the American State Papers. As you acknowl- 
edge the receipt of but four boxes of books, instead of -fi,ve as for- 
warded by the Department, it is probable that the missing volumes 
are with others, contained in the box which at the time of your 
writing, had not been received. It is to be hoped that this box is 
not lost : but if after proper enquiry, it cannot be found, the Depart- 
ment will endeavor, as far as is in its power, to replace the volumes 
necessary to complete the different sets of documents transmitted. 
I have the honor to be. 

D. W. 

[CALHOUN TO LEA.^1 

Executive Department 

Santa Fe', New Mexico 

Novr. 28, 1851. 
Sir: 

Your letter of September 15th, received during the night of 27th 
inst, in reference to the substitution of the draft for $1441.^Vioo for 
the draft for $1241.56 is before me, and I have the honor to inform 
you, that the interrogatory contained in the conclusion of your letter, 
suggests the truth in relation to the $1441.56. The substitution was 



B. I. A., D. L., vol. 39, pp. 371-372. 
■ O. I. A., New Mexico Supy., N 3. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 459 

caused by an error in the addition of my accounts, amounting to the 
sum of $200, which was explained to you on the 25th of July last. 
I am, 

With great respect, 

Your Obt. Servt. 

J. S. Calhoun 
Supt. Ind. Afffi 
Hon: L. Lea 

Comr. Ind. Affs. 

Washington City, 

D. C. 

[LEA TO CALHOUN.'] 

Department of the Interior, 

Office Indian Affairs 

Dec. 4 1851 
Calhoun, His Excy Govr. 

Santa Fe 

New Mexico 
Sir: 

Your letter of Oct 2, 1851, enquiring: whetlier you have " the right 
to fill vacancies, temporarily, in Indian Agencies within your Super- 
intendency," has been received. 

The 3d Section of the "Act for the organization of the Department 
of Indian Affairs " provides " that Superintendents of Indian Affairs 
shall within their several superintendencies, exercise a general super- 
vision and control over the official conduct and accounts of all officers 
and persons employed by the Government in the Indian Department 
under such regulations as shall be established by the President of 
the United States; and may suspend such officers and persons from 
their office and employments " — the reasons for suspension to be 
forthwith communicated to this office " — from which you will per- 
ceive that while you possess the right to suspend .^ you have no legal 
authority to appoint; an exigency may, however, exist in which a 
proper regard for the public interests may require such procedure on 
your part ; and in an emergency of this character, should you appoint 
a special Agent temporarily, with the understanding that his relation 
will terminate so soon as the object of his appointment shall have 
been attained, this Department will interpose no objection. 
Very respectfully, Your Obt. Servt 

L Lea 

Comr. 

■ O. I. a., L. B., No. 45, p. 250. 



460 COEKESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

[LEA TO CALHOUN.'] 

Department of the Interior, 

Office Indian Affairs, 

Dec. 10.1851 
Calhoun, His Excy J. S. 

Santa Fe 

New Mexico. 
Sir 

An application ^ has been made to this office to examine into the 
claim of the late Genl Cyrus Choice for services rendered the Indian 
Department in New Mexico. 

The Hon J. L. Orr, has been this day addressed upon the subject 
and informed that you would be written to, to ascertain what you 
consider to be a liberal compensation for the services rendered by 
Genl. Choice from the 9th of December 1849, to the 14th of Sep- 
tember 1850, the date of his death, as well as the application of the 
amounts received from you at various times amounting to $388.78 
(all of which has been allowed to you on settlement) only $50. of 
which is specified as being on account of pay — in order that an appli- 
cation for a special appropriation may be made to Congress to liqui- 
date the same. 

You will report in reference to this subject at your earliest con- 
venience. 

Very respectfully. Your Obt. Servt 

L. Lea 

Comr 

[LEA TO CALHOUN.'] 

Department of the Interior, 

Office Indian Affairs 

Dec. 17 1851 
Calhottn, His Excy Jas. S. 

Santa Fe 

New Mexico 
Sir: 

Your draft in favor of Messrs Gans, Leberman & Co. for $8000, of 
which you advised this office in your letter of the 31. Oct: last, has 
been presented and paid. 

Very respectfully. Your Obt. Servt. 

L Lea 

GoTnr. 



1 O. I. A., L. B., No. 45, p. 267. 
^See Stuart to Lea, December 4, 1851, O. T. A , New Mexico Supy., I 790. 
«0. I. A., L. B., No. 45, p. 288 



COKRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 461 

[LEA TO CALHOITN.^] 

Department of the iNTr.Rio*^, 

Office Indian Affairs, 

Dec. 17 J Sol 
Calhoun, His Excy J. S. 

Santa Fe 
New Mexico. 
Sir: 

Agent Greiner's draft on this office, of 31. Oct. last, in favor of 
Samuel Galloway, for $500, referred to in your letter of the same 
date, has been presented and paid. 

Very respectfully, Your Obt, Servt 

L. Lea 

Comr. 

[LEA TO CALHOUN.'] 

Department of the Interior, 

Office Indian Affairs, 

Dec. 18. 1851 
Calhoun, His Excy Jas. S. 

Santa Fe 

New Mexico 
Sir: 

Your draft in favor of D Waldo & Co, for $1500, of which you 
advised this office, in your letter of the 31st October last, has this 
day been presented and paid. 

Very respectfully, Your Obt. Servt 

L Lea 

Comr. 

[LEA TO CALHOUN."] 

Department of the Interior, 

Office Indian Affairs, 

Dec. 18. 1851 
Calhoun, His Excy Jas S. 

Santa Fe 

New Mexico. 
Sra: 

Your draft in favor of William S McKnight, for $25G2 35/100, 
of which you advised this office in your letter of the 30th September 
last, has been presented and paid 

Very respectfully, Your Obt. Servt 

L Lea 

Comr 

lO. I. a., L. R., No. 45, p. 280. 
■ n)id., p. 2!)(t. 
•Ibid., p. 2!)1. 



462 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CAL,HOUN. 

[LEA TO CALHOUN.'] 

Department of the Interior. 

Omcfi Indian Affairs, 

Dec W. 1851 
Calhoun, H'/s Excy Gov. 

Santa Fe 

Neiv Mexico 
Sir: 

Your letter of 1st ultimo transmitting Report of Agent Greiner 
in relation to the condition of the Indian tribes included in his 
Agency, has been received; and the Department is highly gratified 
with the information it communicates. 

Very respectfully, Your Obt Servt 

L. Lea 

Comr. 

ILEA TO CALHOUN. : 

Department of the Interior, 

Office Indian Affairs, 

Dee. 29. 1851. 
Calhoun, His Excy. Jas. S. 

/Santa Fe 

New Mexico 
Sm: 

Your letter of the 28th July last, in which you recommend the pay- 
ment of $75. to the Hon. J. R. Tullis, for services rendered by your 
direction in settling difficulties between the pueblos of Acoma and 
Laguna in reference to their lands, has been received, and the amount 
recommended by you has this day been paid to Mr. Tullis 
Very respectfully. Your Obt Servt 

L. Lea 

Comr. 

\ LEA TO CALHOUN/] 

Department of the Interior, 

Office Indian Affairs, 

Dec. 29. 1851. 
Calhoun, His Excy Jas S. 

Santa Fe 

New Mexico 
Sir: 

Your drafts in favor of Alex Majors for $1000, of which you ad- 
vised this' office on the 31st October last, & one drawn by Agent 



1 O. I. a., L. B., No. 45, p. 297. 
"Ibid., p. 315. 
••' Ibid., p. .317. 



COBEESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN". 463 

Greiner, in favor of W. S. McKnight, for $798 27/100 referred to in 
your letter of the 30 Sept, last, has been presented & paid. 
Very respectfully, Your obt Servt 

L Lea 

Gomr. 

[GREINER TO CALHOUN.'] 

Santa Fe N. M. Jany 5 1852 
To his Excellency Gov Calhcun 

Superintendent of Indian Affairs New Mexico 
Sir 

The Pueblo Indians of Santo Domingo, San Felipe Santa Anna, 
Nambe, Cochiti, & Silla, numbering over 500 wishing to express their 
approbation of the course adopted by your Excellency towards the 
Navajoes, assembled together at this place on New Years day and 
gave an exhibition of a Grand Peace Dance. 

As no notice had been received of their visit until their arrival, 
it was found to be very difficult to procure suitable quarters for their 

od 
accomm ation. 

The Pueblos have never received any thing from our Government 
in the shape of presents — and as it is of the utmost importance to 
secure their good will, it was deemed advisable to make their stay as 
pleasant as possible — to this end an abundant supply of provisions 
was purchased for them — the most rigid economy governing the 
expenditures. 

Kepresentations of Indian fights — Corn dances — Deer dances & 
Moqui dances were given with much pleasure to themselves — and the 
delight of crowds of Spectators, who witnessed their performances. 
Nothing occurred to mar the festivities of the day and the Indians 
left for their homes the next day — grateful for the kindness by which 
they had been received, and flattered at the success of their exhibitions. 
With the concurrence of your Excellency I shall discourage the 
embodying of so large a number of Indians in future to say nothing 
of the trouble and expense attending such meetings — the danger of 
dissensions springing up between them and our Citizen population 
would alone forbid such gatherings. 
Very Respectfully 

Your Ob-t\Sevt 

John Greiner 

Indian Agent 

New Mexico 
His Excellency Gov Calhoun 



Enclosure of Calhoun to Lea, January 30, 1852, O. I. A., New Mexico Supy., N 17. 



464 COKKESPONDENCE OP JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

[LEA TO CALHOUN.'] 

Departime^'t of the Interior, 

Office Indian Affairs, 

J any: 7. 1852. 

Govenor c&c 

Santa Fe 

New Mexico.^ 
Sir, 

Your letter of the 29: October last in which you call my attention 
to the inadequacy of the amount allowed your Superintendency, on 
account of " contingencies ", and ask for an increased sum ; and also in 
which you state that " in the absence of Agents Weightman and 
Wingfield, it it become necessary," you will assume the responsibility 
of drawing the $500 — allowed to each of them ", on the same 
account — has been received and duly considered. 

From the limited appropriations upon which this Office could draw 
for the purposes to which you refer, is allotted to your Superintend- 
ency as large an amount for "contingencies", as was in its power 
under the circumstances, but not as large, it felt at the time, as would 
be required, necessarily by you. Neither then had the Office, nor has 
it the power now, to increase the sum. Congress, however, will, at 
its present session, be urged to make increased and liberal appropria- 
tions, particularly with reference to your Superintendency, and it is 
hoped by doing so. the embarrassments of the past, under which you 
have labored, will, for the future, be avoided. 

AVith regard to that part of your letter, in which you apprize me 
of your intention, in the absence of Agents Weightman and Wing- 
field, to draw for the $500 — allowed to each of them for " contin- 
gencies" I have to state, that, should you do so, it will meet the 
approbation of this office. 

Very respectfully, Your Obt. Servant, 

L. Lea 

Comr: 

' (). I. a., L. B., iNo. 4o, pp. 3:{9-340. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 465 

[LEA TO CALHOUN.'] 

Department of the Interior, 

Office Indian Affairs 

Jany: 12.1852. 
Calhoun, His Excy : J. S. 

Governor tGc 

Santa Fe 
New Mexico. 
Sir, 

Your own, and the accounts of Agent Woolley, for the quarter 
ending 30th September last, have been received, with your letters of 
the 16th Octo : and 1st November transmitting them. 

Two copies of the regulations of the Department, have already 
been sent to you. 

Very respectfully. Your Obt Servant 

L. Lea 
Commr: 
[LEA TO CALHOUN.-] 

Department of the Interior, 

Office Indian Affairs 

J any: 16. 1852 
Calhoun, His Excy: Gov: 

Santa Fe 

New Mexico. 
Sir, 

Your letter of 1st ultimo, transmitting Eeport of Agent Greiner 
in relation to grievances complained of by Pueblo Indians has been 
received. 

Very respectfully, Your Obt Servant. 



L. Lea 

Gow/mr 



[LEA TO CALHOUN, ETC.'] 
(Circular.) 



Department of the Interior, 

Office Indian Affairs 

J any: 28. 1852. 
Sir, 

To enable this Office to comply fully with the provisions of the 
laws of Congress, which require a statement of all persons in what- 
ever grade of employment under the Government to be furnished to 



O. I. a., L. B., No. 45, p. 353. » Ibid., p. 368. "Ibid., p. 401. 

.W21— 15 30 



466 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

the proper authorities — You are herebj'^ directed to prepare a com- 
plete list, in abstract form of the employees other than Agents in 
your superintendency on the 1st day of Jany: 1852: Specifying the 
Offices they respectively hold, or the employments in which they 
are engaged — the dates of their appointments — where employed — 
the Tribe or Tribes for which they Avere appointed — their compensa- 
tion, — and also as far as practicable, the places of their births, and 
their residences at the time they received their appointments, and 
forward it to this Office without avoidable delay. 

You will observe the directions in regard to places of birth and 
residence, in making future nominations. 

Very respectfully, Your Obt Servant. 

L. Lea 
Gomm/r: 

[CALHOTJIsr TO LEA'] 

Executive Department 

Santa Fe New Mexico 

January 28th 1852 
Sir 

I have the honor to inform you that on the 31st of December last, 
I approved two drafts drawn by Col A. E. Woolley, in favor of 
W. S McKnight, the one for $540.54. to close up his accounts up to 
the 31st December, and the other $500. authorized to be drawn, for 
contingencies, by the Indian Department. I have also approved a 
draft drawn by John Greiner, for $G58.09 in favor of the same per- 
son, dated 31st Dec. to close his accounts up to that date. The Ab- 
stracts and Accounts current of those gentlemen will show more 
fully the objects for which they were drawn. 
Your Obedient Servant 

J. S. Calhoun 
Supt. Ind. Afs 
Hon Luke Lea 

Commr Ind Afs 

Washington City 

D. C. 

[GREINER TO CALHOUN.'] 

Santa Fe New Mexico Jany 31 — 1852 
To his Excellency Gov. J. S. Calhoun 

Superintendant of Indian Affairs 

Santa Fe New Mexico January 29th/52 
Dear Sir 

According to the agreement made with your Excellency at Jemes 
a number of Navajoes came in on the 27th inst. bringing with them 

1 O. I. A., New Mexico Supy., N 21. 

2 Enclosure of Calhoun to Lea, January 31, 1852, O. I. A., New Mexico Supy., N 25. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S, CALHOUN. 467 

Mexican 
three Captive boys two of them having been taken prison- 

ers while herding cattle on the west side of the Rio Grande opposite : 
the Ranches of Albuquerque last July and one of them w- as - taken yi 
from the Caiion near Jemes five years ago. 

The names of the Chiefs present were Armijo — Raffaille Charvis — 
Luke Lea — Black Eagle Barbon and Hosea Miguel. 

One of the young Chiefs had not yet received a name — and as he 
was over Six feet high and of a fine commanding figure he was 

he 
christened Wingfield Scott with which name appeared to be de- 
lighted. 

Armijo was the principal Speaker, and is the big Chief of the 
Navajoes. After all were seated in Council he said " I have been a 
Captain ever since I was a young man. I have come to tell my Great 
Father that my people wish to live in peace & quiet. We wish to 
cultivate the soil, as our Fathers did before us — to have the water 
run through our Acequias so that we may irrigate our lands — ^^Ve 
do not wish to be molested — We have to depend upon our finger nails 
and our toe nails for support. By the labour of our own hands we 
wish to raise our own crops — and like the Sun we wish to follow 
the course of nature. The bows & arrows we carry are to shoot 
game with, the deer the antelope & the Rabbit. But little rain fell 
from the clouds last year our crops failed — and our young men have 
to support our families by hunting 

I have lost my Grandfather and two other members of my family 
who were all killed by Mexicans 

I have never sought revenge — My hair is beginning to get gray — 
I wish to live in peace with every one — I want to see my cattle & 
horses to be well grazed and my sheep to be safely herded — and to 
get fat — which can never be done while my people are at war 

We like the Americans — We have eaten their bread & meat — 
smoked their tobacco^the clothing they have given us has kept us 
warm in the cold winter and the snow — With the hoes they have 
given us we will cultivate our land 

We are struck dead with gratitude 

I am now before you — you can all see me My name is well known 
every where — My people are better dressed than I am myself — and 
although I am ashamed to appear before you so poorly clad — I 
wished you to see me just as I am — to tell you I can plant corn & 
wheat — and raise food for my people to eat. 

If the Lord will supply us with ])lenty of clouds^we shall walk 
about our lands— and feel satisfied 

Agent. My Brothers Let us tnlk plain so that we may understand 
each other — 



/ 



468 COREESPONDEFCE OP JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

The people living in the Rio Abajo con^plain that, the Navajos 
have captured their children— stolen their stock — that their fields 
have to be idle for they cannot work them for fear of your people — 
Is this not so? 

Armijo — My people are all crying in the same way three of our 
Chiefs now sitting before you h-we-lest mourn for their children — Avhc 
have been taken from their homes by the Mexicans — More than 200 of 
our children have been carried off and we know not where they are — 
The Mexicans have lost but few children in comparison with what 
they have stolen from us. Three years ago they took from my people 
nearly all their Cavalladas — Two 3^ears ago my Brother lost 700 
animals How shall we get them again — We leave our Great Father 
to decide — From the time of Col. Newby we have been trying to get 
our children back again — Eleven times have we given up our Cap- 
tives — only once have they given us ours — My people are yet crying 
for the children they have lost. 

Is it American justice that we must give up every thing and receive 
nothing? 

Agent. You have never told us this before — the Great Father at 
Washington shall hear of it — and you shall hear what he says 

Hereafter no more Captives must be taken on either side depreda- 
tions must no longer be committed by either party — Should our 
people injure you — instead of injuring them you must send one 
of your young men and let the Govenor or Agent know — -justice will 
be done — and the offenders shall be punished — -If any property is 
stolen on either side it must be restored to the proper owners. The 
Chiefs will be held responsible for the conduct of the young men — 

Armijo is considered as speaking for all his people 

Armijo. — V/e are satisfied with any arrangement our Father may 
make — We will do as he says — Armijo speaks for all his people. 
In the time of the Mexican Government our Captains received Staffs 
of Office — and Commissions — and they were murdered the first oppor- 
tunity. We do not know hoAV it will be now — if what is past is 
settled our people will be satisfied — we shall abide by what we say 
without turning one side or the other. 

When we get home we Avill recollect our Great Father — We will 
come & see him & smoke with him — We will come not only on busi- 
ness — but to inquire after his health — 

Agent. I am happy to hear your talk — You and your people will 
find that the Americans never promise nor threaten as much as they 
mean to do. 

The Council broke up with the greatest good feeling and after 
receiving a number of Blankets flannel shirts hoes and a few other 
presents they mounted their horses and started for home. 



COKEESPONDENCB OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 469 

There is too much truth in what these Indians complain of — It 
was the custom of the Mexicans to fit out expeditions against them 

every one claiming what he stole as his plunder, 
every year They 

own large flocks of sheep, & goats, horses, mules, & cattle. They are 
a very industrious, hard working people, they not only till their 
lands themselves, but they manufacture their own clothing — and a 
Navajo Blanket will at any time command the price of a Mule. It 

have 
is not to be wondered at if they should retaliate — -when they 
so repeatedly suffered by these marauding expeditions 

These Indians are now what the U. S. Govement is striving to 
make of all the Wild Indian tribes— A farming community — I was 
so well convinced with the truth of the remarks of Armijo — that I 
confess I had but little to say — If the Indians must return all the 
Captives & property taken from the Mexicans — is it any thing but 

have 
just that they should elmm what has been stolen from them ? I think 
not. 

Very respectfully 

Your Obt Sv't 

J Greiner 
Indian Agent 

New Mexico 
His Excellency 

Gov. J. S. Calhoun 

Supe'^ Ind Affs 

[Related Correspondence.] 
[WINGFIELD TO LEA ^] 

Washington D. C February 6th 1852 
Hon Luke Lea 

Commissioner of Indian Affairi^: 

SlE 

Gov. Calhoun has been so full in his recent communications to your Depart- 
ment and has presented the exigencies of the Indian service in New Mexico, 
so much in detail, that any communication from me on the same subject may be 
deemed almost superfluous. With a view however to aid the Department in sug- 
gesting such legislation, as the circumstances and condition of that territory 
may require, allow me respectfully to offer the following statement of my own 
views in relation to it. 

As explanatory of my presence at this time In this City, and the reasons 
Inducing the step, please allow me to refer you, to the letter of Governor Cal- 
houn addressed to myself, but which I recently had the honor to submit to your 



1 O. I A., New Mexico Supy., W 64. 



470 COKKESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

Department, and which is there on file — which will obviate the necessity of a 
detailed repetition of them in this communication. 

I would observe in the outset that on account of the remoteness of New 
Mexico, and the want of frequent conuuunicalions with your Department — to 
make that branch of the public service efficient — much will have to be confided 
to the sound discretion intelligence and integrity of the Superintendent of Indian 
Affairs for the Territory. 

The Act of Congress passed June 30th 1834 entitled "'An Act to regulate trade 
and intercourse with the Indian Tribes and to preserve peace on the frontiers" 
contemplates the harmonious co-operation of the Military and Indian Agents, 
to carry out the legislation of the Government in relation thereto. It has been 
found by experience that this harmony does not exist and I would consequently 
suggest — that proper orders should be issued to these functionaries from the 
Departments or if need be, obtain further legislation to accomplish the desired 
objects. 

Permit me to call the special attention of the Department to the 17th section 
of the above recited act. and the 11th article of the Treaty of Guadalupe 
Hidalgo between Mexico and the United States which, I desire may be consid- 
ered in connexion. It api)ears from both of the sections above referred to that 
the Government is ultimately liable for all spoliations committed upon property, 
by the Indians within the Territory of the United States not only to our citizens, 
but to those also of the adjoining States of Mexico, wherein spoliations have 
been conunitled. The Proviso to the Act above referred to, excludes from the 
benefits of the Act all those who take the redress of their injuries into their 
own hands For over two hundred years in fact ever since the settlement of 
the country there has been a war of depredation — between the two races — 
the Mexican and the Indian, and all of the difficulties and embarrassments in 
that country may with truth be traced to that source, and until these depreda- 
tions cease — nothing like quiet can be expected in that country. The claims 
for spoliations — arising under the Act and Treaty above referred to^are 
numerous and of great miignitude and I would therefore submit to the Depart- 
ment the importance of recommending to Congress the immediate appointment 
of a Commission to investigate on the spot — the claims arising under this Act, 
& the Treaty referred to. Such a commission, would in my humb'e judgment 
anticipate much future legislation and the numerous difficulties proceeding from 
the presentation of claims hereafter. Wisdom indeed sanctions this recommen- 
dation on the score of economy alone. 

I desire to submit to the consideration of the Department, some remarks 
about the condition of the Pueblo Indians — a very interesting tribe, possessing 
many of the amiable elements of character, without the savage features of 
other races — and well worthy the consideration of the Government of the United 
States. Their history is invested with peculiar interest — being as they are— 
the last relics on this continent of the famous Aztecs and the descendants of 
the Montezumas — and now displaying in their present appearance not a few 
traces of the same elevation of character for which their ancestors are renowned. 
The traveller will still find the vestiges of splendid architecture in the ruined 
temples, palaces and monuments scattered over their country. They approach 
nearer to civilization, than any of the Indian Races. They hold the lands on 
which they live by virtue of Spanish grants. Industrious in their habits intel- 
ligent in their communications and honest in their transactions, this peoi)le, have 
forsaken the common occupations of the Indian in order to cultivate assiduously 
the soil which they possess. The Pueblo Indians occupy a truly anomalous 
position in the country. They are regarded as quasi corporations liable to 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 471 

sue & be sued in all our courts. From tliese circumstances, it will be evident 
to you that this race should be regarded by us either as Indians, or like our- 
selves as citizens of the United States — & entitled to all the privileges springing 
from that relation. But as the latter position would be obnoxious to their own 
wishes — the Government should view them as Indians in all future legislation. 
As they are often involved in serious difficulties arising from constant tres- 
passes on their domain, by citizens of the United States — it is but due to them 
that an appropriation should be made by our Government to compensate in 
some measure, for the frequent depredations and injuries which they have 
sustained. 

To carry out such remedial measures as may be deemed necessary, I would 
suggest, that, should the Commission already referred to be appointed — it 
should be vested with power to settle the boundaries of the country belonging 
to the Pueblos — to examine the titles to their lands, translate them from the 
Spanish into English, and make a permanent record of them — for future ref- 
erence. It occurs to me that if our Government will encourage the advance- 
ment & improvement of this race — it will present to the wilder tribes around 
them a worthy example, and these may in time be induced to settle in villages 
and cultivate the lauds, as the Pueblos now do. 

At the last session of Congress appropriations amounting in all to thirty six 
thousand dollars ($36,000) were made to carry out the Treaties between the 
United States and the Navajos and Utahs. The question arises — how can this 
fund be best disbursed for the benefit of these tribes. As the duty of prescrib- 
ing the mode is vested in the President of the United States and your Depart- 
ment — permit me to request for the Superintendent of Indian Affairs — definite 
instructions on this point and also respectfully to suggest whether it would 
not be better to take mechanics artisans and agriculturists — together with im- 
plements of husbandrj- — tools — seeds «S:c from the United States, rather than 
rely on obtaining them in New Mexico. 

All of which is very respectfully submitted by 
Your obedient servt 

E. H. WINGFIELD 

Indian Agent New Mexico. 
[CALHOUN TO LEA.'] 

Executive Department 
Santa Fe, New Mexico 

Jany. 30, 1852. 
Sir, 

The accompanying report ^ to me, made by Jno. Greiner Esqr. Ind. 
Agt. &c. dated Jany. 5th. 1852, is a very brief, (but sufficient) state- 
ment of the occurrences of the Navajo event which it was designed 
to celebrate. 

The continuous and severe services to which 1 had been subjected 
for months anterior to this Pueblo demonstration, and the over- 
whelming and mournful intelligence Avhich I received from Georgia, 
announcing the death of my younger daughter,^ rendered it necessary 
that the duties of the occasion should be confided to another, and it 

1 O. I. A., New Mexico Supy., N 17. 

2 See p. 463. 

^Martha Ann [Mrs. Jno. H. Davis]. 



472 COEEESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

was my good fortune to have near \ne, John Greiner Esqr. Ind. Agt. 
and I am persuaded no one could have discharged the duties with 
more fidelity and satisfaction than Mr. Greiner did on that occasion. 
I am, 

With great respect, 

Your obedient Servant, 

J. S. Calhoun 

/Supt. Ind. Afs 
Hon : L. Lea, 

Comr. Ind. Affs. 

Washington City 
D.G. 

[CALHOUN TO LEA.'] 

Executive Department 
Santa Fe, New Mexico. 

January 30th 1852. 
Sir, 

In the late papers received from the States, I notice a report, to 
the effect, that Treaties had been made with certain Indians, and 
among them New Mexico is put down, with a statement that the 
Treaties had not been received at the Department. Although I beleive 
this to be a mistake, in reference to this Territory, yet I deem it ad- 
visable to forward to you the triplicate of a Treaty made with the 
Apache Indians east of the Rio del Norte, in the City of Santa Fe, 
New Mexico, on the 2d day of April 1851 and on the same day was 
sent off to Washington, to the address, improperly I acknowledge, 

of the 
te-the Hon : A. H. H. Stuart, Secretary of the Interior. Unless, 

my letter of that date failed to reach you, you will perceive by a reffer- 
rence to it, that I deemed it important to receive early advice in rela- 
tion to the Treaty. I beg you to examine said letter. The receipt at 
Washington, of the Treaty, has not been acknowledged. 

I must now remark, that since the making of that treaty, no In- 
dians could have behaved better than the Apaches east of the Rio del 
Norte. There are eight who came to this Superintendency this morn- 
ing, and all who come uniformly enquire what the President intends 

upon 
to do with them, and that thej'^ supposed they were to be placed 
terms of equality with other Indians, and receive presents. The im- 
portance of having this matter attended to can not be felt at Wash- 
ington. 

Again; you will, perhaps, remember, that in July 1850, 1 negotiated 
treaties with the Indians of certain Pueblos, by authority of your 

1 O. I. A., New Mexico Supy., N 22 ; see File-box, " Treaties, Copies." 



COERESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 473 

Department, which authority bears date 24th April 1850. The De- 
partment has given me no information concerning the Pueblo treaty 
or treaties, and I am sorely annoyed when they call upon me for 
information in relation to them. 

These matters should not be overlooked, or postponed. 
With great respect. 

Your obedient Servant, 

J. S. Calhoun 

Supt. Ind. Aff. 
Hon: L. Lea, 

Gomr. Ind. Afs. 

Washington City, 
D. C. 

[LEA TO CALHOUN.'] 

Department of the Interior, 

Office Indian Affairs 

Jany: 31. 1852, 
Calhoun, His Excy: Jas: S. 
Gov : and Ex o-fflcio 
Supt Ind: Affairs 

Santa Fe. N . Mexico. 
Sir, 

I have this day transmitted to Spence M. Baird, his Commission 
as agent for the Indians in New Mexico: Should he accept the ap- 
pointment he has been directed to report to you for the instructions 
necessary for his government and to file his bond with you, which you 
will forward to this Office. 

Very respectfully, Your Obt Servant, 

L. Lea 
Gommr'. 

[CALHOUN TO LEA.^'] 

Executive Department 

Santa Fe, New Mexico, 

January 31st 1852 
Sir, 

During this entire month I have been laboring under the united 
attacks of Catarrh and Jaundice, and you may w^ell suppose I have 
not been well qualified for duty during the period alluded to. I am 
happy to state, however, that I have been able to attend to the daily 
routine of business, with the aid and assistance of that worthy and 
most useful public officer, John Greiner, Esqr, Ind. Agt. 

With the exception of the Gila Apaches, perfect tranquility pre- 
vails among our Indians — 

10. I. A., L. B., No. 45, p. 412. 2 O. I. A., New Mexico Supy., N 25. 



474 COEEESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

The Apaches. 

Since the 2d day of April 1851, not a depredation committed by 

been 
them have come to our knowledge^ although there have instances 

were 
in which they -h av e beee- suspected. You will remember, I made a 
treaty with them on tiie day and year above named, which certainly 
should receive the early consideration of the Government. 

The Apaches of the West Side of the Rio del Norte continue to com- 
mit numerous murders and depredations.^ On the 25th of the pres- 
ent month, I am informed, and do not doubt the accuracy of my in- 

officer, 
formation, that a non-commissioned and twelve privates, all 

mounted, and a teamster, who was also a soldier, in marching north 
across the Jornado, was attacked by a large band of Apaches, six 
miles north of the Laguna, at the very place where the Hon. R. T. 
Brent was killed. The Indians, it is said, killed four soldiers, 
wounded three, killed one mule, and carried off five and one horse, 
and every thing else in or outside of the wagon, which they de- 
sired — The soldiers think they killed nine Indians — Several other 
murders have been committed on that line of military operations 
during the month, and a large number of animals, (public and pri- 
vate property,) have been run off. How long are these things to 
continue, and to what degree of contempt shall we descend, in the 

the 
estimation of our will Indians before we illustrate the fact, that 
vigor and determination of our fathers have been transmitted to their 
sons? In vain have I applied for munitions of war, and for leave 
to call out the Militia of the Territory, and the means to subsist them. 
But this has not been accorded to me. And what have been the con- 
sequences? Murders after murders, depredations upon depredations, 
and innumerable other evils to the people of this Territory. I make 
bold to declare, if I had the authority as indicated above, I could and 
would quiet the western Apaches within ninety days — I would go in 
person, and direct the operations against them, and know for myself 
they were properly subdued, and correct other disorders in that 
region. I am not ignorant of the impressions which the tone of tliis 
letter may make. I regard them not. Nor do I intend to cast the 
slightest reproach upon the troops in this Territory. But Sir, it is 
notorious, if you were to select the best horses from each company, 
you could not from them, make up one efficient company. The horses 
are poor, weak, and starved. What kind of efficiency is this? and 
who so unreasonable as to expect protection to come from troops so 

1 See documents on pp. 475-477. 



COEEESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 475 

inefficiently mounted? None but well mounted troops, for general 
service, against the Indians, are worth one cent in this Territory. A 
contrary opinion, I am aware, is now being disseminated, not only 
here, but perhaps in the States — Upon this subject it is not necessary 
to say more — 

The Utahs manifest every proper feeling of submission, and many 
who claim to be their superiors, are wanting in their Virtues, and 
nothing is to be apprehended from them which does not immediately 
proceed from the malign influences, or conduct, of the evil disposed 
in this Territory. I fear, in spite of all of my efforts to the contrary, 
that a number of persons will attempt a forcible seizure of lands in 

during the spring 
the Utah Country and this will necessarily bring 

about other outrages and murders; and which can not be prevented 
unless you place at the disposal of the Superintendent a proper Mili- 
tary force — 

The Navajos, say, " they are struck dead with gratitude^ I beg 
to refer you to, and request you to adopt as a part of this letter, the 
report of a conversation held with the Navajos on yesterday, by 
John Greiner Esqr. Ind. Agt. The truth, you will perceive, is boldly 
stated, and must make the just man pause. Every suggestion made 
by them is true, and is worthy of consideration. 

I beg to impress upon you, in conclusion, all that is absolutely 
necessary, at this moment, in addition to troops &c. are Blacksmiths, 
Blacksmiths implements and Iron, and these can not be procured 
here — I have referrence to the Navajos and Utahs; and also, the 
Apaches east of the Rio del Norte, and the Pueblos, if it is the in- 
tention of the Government to do any thing for the two latter. 
I am, 

With great respect. 

Your obedient Servant, 

J. S. Calhoun 

Supt. Ind. Afs 
Hon: L. Lea, 

Comr. Ind. Afs 

Washington City, 

B.C. 

[Related Correspondence.] 

[HOWE TO McFERRAN.i] 

Fort Conrad, N. M. 

January 25: 1852 

10: P. M. 
Lieut: 

On Fridny morning Inst I ordered an escort of one non. com officer and ten 
privates, to escort the members of the Court on to the " Journada " until it met 

»A. G. C, Files, S 92 of 1852. 



47() CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

the mail party bound up: this evening the Corporal Couinianding the party 
returned and reported to me that yesterday they met an escort from Fort Fill- 
more, at Laguna, where they transferred the baggage &c to the wagon from 
below and then by order of Col : Miles, encamped at I.aguna, that owing to the 
barking of the dogs during the night he sui)posotl that Indians were near, and 
this morning started at sun rise with nuiskotoons loaded and shinz and pre- 
pared for the Indians, that at the spot where JNlr Brent, was shot they received 
a volley from both sides of the road without seeing any one, the saddle mule 
to the wagon and three men killed and during the aftray which lasted some 
twenty minutes one other was killed and one wounded, the latter they brought 
into this Post this evening, the teamster caught a horse of one of the men 
killed and escapetl. The Corporal reports that the Indians at the (irst lire were 
laying concealed in soap weeds, but soon some forty api)cared mounted, and 
followed the six men some three miles. The Corporal reports two Indians 
killed and one wounded most men says some nine were killed. The Cori)oral 
is sure that there were white men among the number as they had large whis- 
kers and curly hair that he was so well satistied, that he cursed them in eng- 
lisli. I immediately ordered all the available men of ' D,' ' E,' and 'K' com- 
panies under the command of Lieut. Evans, in pursuit 113 of the command 
mounted on mules. 

I would respectfully suggest that the mounted men belonging to this Post 
now absent at Galisteo and Pcna Blanco, be ordered to return as soon as they 
can be spared they having taken with them all the serviceable horses of ' E,' 
and ' D,' companies, and if the companies at Galisteo have no duty to perform, 
a company having good horses could be employed on good service, by sending 
them to this Post. I learn unotlicially that at a distance of some SO. to 100. 
miles west of this is a large camp of Indians which if trooi)s could be spared 
for the purpose might be well to make them a visit, having sent all the service- 
able horses of Co ' K,' on scout this evening. I shall not be able to send the 
comi)any as ordered on the first of the month to Abiquin. I have not a horse 
at the Post to send out if any call should be made from another quarter, and 
I think this is the Post for calls 3 horses & team captured by Indians. 
I aai Sir 



Very respectfully 

Your obt: Servt: 



J. C. McFerkan 
3d Infy: A. A. A. Genl: 
Alhiqucrque. 



(Sgd) M. S. IIowE 

Maj: 2d Drags; 

Coininanding 



Head Quarters 9th Mily Dept. 
Fokt Union N. M. Fchy Sd 1852 
otHcial 

J. C. JMcFerran 

1st Lt 3d Inf 

A. A. A. a 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 477 

[SUMNER TO CARLETON.^] 

Head QuartI' ks, Dth Dept : 

Fort Union, N. M. 

January 28", 1852. 
Bv't : Major J. H. Cableton, 

/fft Dragoons. 
Major, 

You will move with your Comiuuiy towards Auton Chico, on the 2d proximo, 
aud after remaining at that i)lace a day or two, you will proceed in the direction 
of "Bosque Ivedoudo" for the purpose of mnliing a reconnoissance in that 
section of country, and opening a communication with the Muscalaro Apaches. 
In the latter duty you will act in concert with Col: Wooley, Indian Agent, if 
he thinks proper to accompany you. If you should meet these Indians, it is 
important that you should impress upon them the necessity of their abstaining 
from all depredations upon the Whites. Say to them plainly, that we wish to 
be at peace, but that we are always prepared for war and that the President 
of the United States has said that whenever an Indian tribe commits any 
depredations, that a military post shall be established immediately in the heart 
of their country, to compel them to remain at peace. You will find govern- 
ment corn at Anton Chico, aud while there feed your horses full rations, and 
take as much as you can when you go beyond. If you can buy fodder or hay 
at reasonable prices you will do so, if not you will have to trust to grazing. 
This tour of duty will continue for twenty days or longer if necessary. 
Very respectfully 

Your ob't: Serv't : 

E V Sum NEB 

Bvt: Col: U. 8. A. 
Comdg: Dept: 



[SUMNER TO CARLETOJs\-] 



Hd Qurs : 9th Dept 
Neab Albuquerque N. M. 

March J, JS52 
Major, 

I have received your report and letter. I have ordered a Court of Inquiry 
on your application I hardly think it was necessary in this case, but perhaps 
it is as well, to have such cases investigated, and thus shut the mouths of 
ill-disposed persons. I regret that you did not see any Indians but I am glad 
that you made the excursion. 

I had no idea it was so fine a country down there. If I had troops to spare, 
I should establish a post there immediately. I have no objection to your asking 
Maj Ogden, to send you a little corn, to be used on the Arkansas, but Major, 
you cannot expect to haul corn to use on the march, after the grass is up. 

Every thing is very uncertain at the south, I may have to make a campaign 
against the Apaches. We are very much pressed for transportation this spring, 
and therefore, it will not be in Maj. Sibleys power to give you another team. 
Very resply Yours 

Sgd. E V Sumner 

livt: Col: 
Maj Cableton 

1 A. G. O., Department of New Mexico, vol. 8, p. 125. 
» A. G. O.. Old Book. No. 5A. 



478 COKRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

[CALHOUN TO LEA/] 

Executive Department 

Santa Fe' New Mexico 

Fehy 1, 1852 
Sm 

I have this day approved a draft in favor of Preston Beck Jr at 
Sixty days after date for Three hundred and Eighty Seven ^Vioo 
Dollars, being one quarter salary due Col A E WooUey Ind Agent, 
on the 31st March next. 

Your Obedient Servant 

J. S. Calhoun 
Supt. Ind. A-ffs. 
Hon Luke Lea 

Commr Ind Affs 

Washington 
D.C 

r SUMNER TO CALHOUN.'] 

Head Quarters 9th Mily Dept 

Near Alburquerque N. M. 

Feby 11th 1S52. 
Governor. 

I have just Received your letter dated this day — On the 3d inst 
Major Howe with a Command of three Companies of horse, and one 
of footj was Ordered to March into the Apache Country,^ to Chastise 
those Indians for their recent depredations, and this Command will 
move in a few days from Fort Conrad. There will be two Compa- 
nies of horse left at Conrad, and one at Las Lunas, to protect this 
frontier — Under these Circumstances T do not feel at liberty to issue 
arms to the Militia. 



With high Respect 
Your Obt Svt 



His Excellency 
J. S. Calhoun 

A Iburquerque 

N.M. 



E. V. Sumner 
Brvt Col Lt (lol 1 Dgs 

Comg Dept 



10. I. A., New Mexico Supy., N 32. 

^B. I. A., M. L., March, 1852, enclosure of Snmner to Jones, February 3, 1852; O. I. A., 
New Mexico Supy., N H4 : A. G. O.. Old Boole. No. 1 ; also in Department of New Mexico, 
vol. 8, pp. 134-135. 

s See Sumner to .Tones, p. 479. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 479 

[Belated Correspondence.] 
[SUMNER TO JONES.^] 

Hd Qrs 9th Deft 

Fort Union N M. 

Feby 3, 1852. 
General 

I regret extremely to be obliged to communicate tlie intelligence, contained 
in the inclosed letter. 

I have hoped that Fort Webster would check the hostility of those Gila 
Apaches at once, and I still think it will do it in a short time. 

I have ordered a concentration of troops at Fort Conrad, and have directed 
Maj. Howe to move immediately into the Apaches country, with three com- 
panies of horse, and one of foot, and, if possible, to inflict upon those Indians 
a signal chastisement. He is ordered to continue the scout for one month. 

The hostility of these Indians arises from the remissness of the civil authority 
in this Territory. Some time last fall, a Mexican at the little town of San 
Antonio, assailed and killed two Apaches and dangerously wounded a third, 
while they were gambling together. 

The Indians came in the next day and demanded that the man should be con- 
fined for trial — this was done, and the Indians left satisfied, but as soon as 
they were gone, the murderer was permitted to go at large again, and when the 
Indians heard of it, they became furious. 

I brought this affair, particularly to the notice of the Governor of this Terri- 
tory in December last, and expressed the opinion that that villain should be 
arrested & tried, I have heard of no action of the Governor in this matter. 
I am Sir 

Very respectfully 

Yr. Obt. Srvt 

E. V. Sum NEB 
Bt Col. Lt. Col. J.H Drag.^ 

Coyng Depi 
Maj Genl R. Jones 

Adjt Genl. 

[CALHOUN TO SUMNER.'] 

Abburquerque N Mexico 

Feby 11 1852 
Sir 

On Yesterday, a paper Signed by the inhabitants of two towns of 
the County of Socorro, Was handed to Me, Setting forth the Condi- 
tion of the people of that portion of the Territory, and asking Me as 
their Own, and the Nations representative for relief. 

This paper Set forth Well Authenticated facts, Which Call for 
my Warmest Comisaration and Most Active intervention 

To Say that Communications between the different Towns in this 
Country is in a great Measure Cut off Unless, to Strong And Well 
Armed parties, Would be Merely Stating a fact Which We presume 

1 B. I. A., M. L., March, 1852 ; A. G. O., Old Book, No. 1. 

2 0. I. A., New Mexico Supy.. N 34 ; B. I. A., M. L., February. 1S52. 



480 COREESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

IS already Well Known To Your Excellency, And the Territory at 
large: but to Say that Our Very towns are frequently insulted by 
the presence of the Savages — that lives Are Sacrificed and property 
dispoiled in their inmost Square and in the light of day, Would 
probably present To You Excellency Our truly helpless Condition 
in a New and pitiable light. In no part of all the Vast Territory 
our Government holds; is her great Name insulted So Constantly, 
And With Such perfect impunity as here in this, Our County of 
Socorro and our feelings as Citizens As Well as our Mere Selfish in- 
terests as holders of property Are Alike insulted. Unredressed and 
unrevanged." Such Sir is the language of this paper endorsed by 
One hundred and forty three residents of Socorro County, Among 
Which I recognize the Names of Some of its Most inteligent and 
estimable Citizens. The fact Which it Sets forth, painful and 
Startling as they Are, Are but To Well Corroborated from other 
Sources of a reliable character; And Occupying As I do the parental 
relations to this people, I Cannot listen to the representations of 
their helpless. and unarmed Condition unmoved. Nor disregard their 
petition for relief 

I theirfore renew my application to You for Arms And Equip- 
ments; And have to request that You Will furnish Me with Five 
hundred Stand of Arms, for the purpose of holding in Check and 
Chastising the Apache Indians, by an immediate expedition to their 
Country Witli the Militia of the Territory 

In making this application to You, I do So With the Most perfect 
respect for. Your professional Capacity and untiring exertions as an 
Officer. 

I Am Aware that We have entertained different Views as to the 
Sufficiency of the number of Your Troops to restrain and Chastise 
the Indians And I am still reluctantly Compelled to adhere To My 
Original Convictions on this Subject, the disabled Condition of 
Your Animals — the Slaughter of Our Citizens and the Spoliation of 
their property. Not only Confirm my first impressions in the effi- 
ciency of Your Command, but irresistibly Appears to my most 
humane impulses. As a Man, And patriotic exertions As an officer 
of the Government, under those feelings I must earnestly and re- 
spectfully renew My application for Arms and equipments 

Will You oblige me So far as to favor Me With a reply this 
evening 

I have the honor to be 

Your Obedient Servant 

J S Calhoun 

Col E V Sumner 

Commanding 9" mily Dept 

Alhurquerque N M 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 481 

[CITIZENS OF SOCOERO TO CALHOUN.^] 

Petition 

of the Citizens of Socorro County to 

His Excellency the Governor of N. M. 
Santa Fe' 
Humbly sheweth, 

That a deep sence of the injuries that we the undersigned Citizens 
of Socorro County have for some time past sustained at the hands of 
the Indians, induce us to make to your Ex^". a representation of our 
greivances and to look to your Exc^. for that redress and assistance 
\vhich has become so essencial to the preservation of our most ordi- 
nary interests. To say that communication between the different 
Towns in this County is in a great measure cut off unless to strong 
and well armed parties, would be merely stating a fact which we pre- 
sume is already well known to your Excell^, and the Territory at 
large, but to say that our very Towns are frequently insulted by the 
presence of the savages that lives are sacrificed and property de- 
spoiled in their inmost squares and in the light of day, would prob- 
ably present to your Excell^. our truly helpless condition in a new 
and pitiable light. Our claims upon your ExcelK and the Territory 
at large are many and strong more so than those of any other people 
over whom the United States Government holds sway. In no part of 
all the vast Territory; our Government holds is her great name in- 
sulted so constantly and with such perfect impunity as Tiere^ in this 
our County of Socorro, and our feelings as Citizens, as well as our 
more selfish interests as holders of property are alike insulted, 
wronged and unrevenged. 

The shallow hope with which we have been so often deceived, that 
of efficient protection on the part of the U. S. Troops has also de- 
serted us, for recent circumstances have proved them both at Fort 
Conrad and Fort Fillmore to be incapable of affording the necessary 
protection to their own lives and property. The partial destruction 
and complete rout of the Dragoon Escort on the Jornada, the driv- 
ing off of Dr. M Stake's mules within one mile of Conrad and a 
similar occurrance at Fort Fillmore together with many other in- 
f-lances of murder and rapine that have made the last few weeks a 
time of Terror, have utterly destroyed the little hope we ever derived 
from the presence of Troops in this Country, the more so as none of 
these indignities have been followed by a single instance of chastiz- 
ment. 

If such is the state of things with regard to the well armed and well 
fed Troops upon whom we have hitherto relied as upon a broken 

1 Enclosure of Calhoun to Sumner, February 11, 1852. 
5021—15 31 



482 COEEESPONDEKCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

reed, your Excl^. can imagine the condition of an unarmed and de- 
fenceless population situated many miles away from the far scattered 
Fort.a. There is not a Town or Villiage in this County that has not 
lately suffered to a greater or less extent losses of Animals, princip- 
ally Beasts of Burthen and animals used in Agriculture, and to such 
an alarming height has this state of things arisen, that it has become 
the universal cry of a dispairing people, that unless a sudden and 
stringent remedy be found, the Demon of Famine will follow in the 
hideous footsteps of the savage and fill the bitter measure of our 
greifs to overflowing ... To your Excel^. as our only remaining 
hope and stay, as the only Beacon to which we look from amids't our 
many calamities we now direct our earnest prayer that your Excel^'s. 
earnest attention may be directed to our immediate and effectual re- 
leif and that the Knowledge of our deplorable condition may be the 
cause of measures that may bring about the chastisement of a bar- 
barous enimy, pampered by long impunity and restore to a people 
from whom all sence of security has fled a firm and lasting peace. 

The binding Laws, consequent upon impressions officially conveyed, 
that we w^ere at peace with all the Indian Tribes by whom our Ter- 
ritory is surrounded, and the unarmed state of a great portion of 
our people, render us by ourselves entirely helpless and incapable of 
action, but these difficulties once removed we could quickly prove 
our Title as Citizens of the Great Nation to which we belong and 
by prompt action against the Indians at once redress our Injuries 
and once more call our Homes our own. In the sincere hope and 
trust that through your Ecel^s. instrumentality a remidy for our 
many misfortunes may at length be found and what be otherwise a 
flourishing Country saved from utter ruin. 

Your Petitioners will ever pray &c. 

By a referrance to the Original Petition your Excels, will find 
but a small number of signatures in comparison with the inhabitants 
of the County, this is explained by the fact that but 2 Towns have 
:^igned, it being considered unnecessary to obtain a greater number. 
Among them, your Excels, will recognize the names of almost all 
the leading people of the County. Since the Petition has been 
signed it has come to our Knowledge that the ravages of the Indians 
are being carried on to as daring an extent as ever. In Valencia 
County three extensive herds of Animals have been carried off, and 
in this County a Team belonging to Mr. A Constante recently return- 
ing from the Copper Mines has been completely destroyed. — 
Signed bv 143 residents of Socorro County. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 483 

[CALHOUN TO OVERMAN.^] 

Executive Department 

Santa Fe New Mexico 

Feb 25th 1852 
Sir 

Reposing special trust and confidence in you as a worthy and in- 
teligent Citizen you are hereby appointed Special Indian Agent and 
you will for the present establish yourself at Socorro, or other more 
convenient point where you will be able to watch the movements of 
the Apache Indians and ascertain if possible their purposes towards 
the people of this Territory and keep me frequently advised in rela- 
tion to all matters that may come to your Knowledge of importance. 
There are no traders allowed to go into the Apache Country, west 
of the Rio del Norte, and as such you will use eviy effort in your 
power to inforce the laws of the United States, regulating trade and 
intercourse with the Indians under the jurisdiction of said States. 
A copy in English and Spanish of the laws alluded to above are here- 
with enclosed. 

You will also report to me at evry convenient opportunity, the 
movements of the United States troops, and their successes against 
the aforesaid Apache Indians and the probability of their chastising 
and subduing them. As an officer of the Government, it becomes 
your duty, to notify the Executive of all infractions of the law and 
of all evidences you may obtain in refference to combinations that 
you may suppose ar designed to disturb the public tranquility. 

You will be allowed one hundred and twenty nine dollars and six- 
teen and two third cents per month as compensation for your serv- 
ices. You will also be allowed Forage for one animal, and you will 
be careful to take Duplicate Vouchers for all purchases of forage. 
Should you deem it adviseable to send an Express to me, make a con- 
tract with the Expressman stating the precise amount to be paid, 
and if he arrives in the time contracted for he shall be paid here. 

If it should be discovered that the aforesaid Indians have been 
severely and sufficiently chastised to authorise the superintendent of 
Indian affairs in this Territory to open negociations with said In- 
dians you will without a moments delay advise me of the fact. 
I have the honor to be 

Your Obedient Servant 

J. S. Calhoun 
Supt. Ind. Afrs. 
Mr, Chas. Overman 

Socon^o, 

Neio Mexico 



iQ. I. A., New Mexico Supy., N 34. 



.$25. 00 
30.00 
13.13 


68. 18 




$167. 37 
60.00 



484 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

[CALHOUN TO LEA.'] 

Executive Department 

Santa Fb' New Mexico 

February 28, 1862. 
Sir 

Your letter of the 10th of December in reference to Genl Choice 
has been received. 

At the time of Genl Choice's death I had advanced to him the sum 
of $388.78. which were allowed to me by the Department on the settle- 
ment of my accounts, all of this money I am satisfied that the 
amount above mentioned was laid out by Genl Choice in travelling 
and other necessary expenses connected with the Agency, and in my 
opinion should not be included as a portion of his compensation. The 
following account will show the state of his affairs after his death. 
Sale of the effects of Genl Choice, amounting to $235. 50 

Amt paid E. M. Kern, of Abiquin 
" " Dr Wiits5 

" Beck & Brent, Santa Fe' 

Amount due estate of Genl Choice 
One Gold watch on hand valued at 

$227. 37 
In my opinion General Choice should be compensated for his serv- 
ices at the highest rates that are paid to Indian Agents in this Terri- 
tory. From "the 9th of Decbr 1849 to the 14th Septr 1850, the date 
of his death he performed the duties of his office in a manner which 
was satisfactory to all, and deserves an adequate comjDensation for 
his labors. 

The within account shows the balance due the estate of Genl Choice, 
after deducting the amount of $388 78 allowed me by the Department 
Very Respectfully 

Your Obedt Servant J. S. Calhoun 

Hon Luke Lea 

Commr Ind Affs 

Washingt07i City 
D C. 

[CALHOUN TO LEA.'] 

Executive Department 

Santa Fe' New Mexico 

February 28. 1852 
Sir 

Your four letters of the 17th & 18th and one of the 29th of Decem- 
ber 1851, acknowledging the receipt and payment of certain drafts 
drawn on you in favor of various persons, have been received. 

I O. I. A., New Mexico Snpy., X I'G. = Ibid., N 30. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S: CALHOUN. 485 

With many thanks for _your kindness and promptitude in honoring 
them, I beg leave 
to remain 

Your Obedt Servant J, S. Calhoun 

Hon L. Lea 

Commr of Ind Afs. 

Washington City i 

D. 'C. I 

[CALHOUN TO WEBSTER.'] 1 

Executive Department i 

Santa Fe New Mexico 

February 29, 1852. 
Sir 

I deem it my duty to enclose to you the accompanying petition 
from the Citizens of Socorro, and a correspondence in reference to 
its contents, with Col. Sumner. It gives me pain to have to forward 
you the above mentioned documents, but the condition of the in- 
habitants of this Territory absolutely demands that the Government 
of the United States should be made aware of the evil and the con- 
stant dangers which surround us. The troops of the United States 
are at present totaly useless, on account of the inability of the of the 
mounted men to perform their duty, the feeble and half starved con- 
dition of their horses will not allow them to travel, and Infantry is 
of no use whatever in checking Indians who are Avell mounted and 
whose animals are in the best order, Since the date of the above 
correspondence the Indians have become bolder and bolder, and not 
content with the murders and robberies they have already committed, 
we receive daily information of new outrages and murders com- 
mitted by them. Such is the daring of the Apache Indians that they 
openly attack our truops and force them to retreat, or become vic- 
tims to the scalping knife of the savages. Parties are being entirely 
cut off on the Jornada, between Fort Conrad and Fort Fillmore; 
between these points an Escort affords no longer any protection. 
The mail from San Elizario, which reached here last evening, was 
attacked on the Jornada, by the Apaches, an Escort of ten men was 
furnished them from Fort Conrad, of which one man was killed and 
two wounded in the encounter. The San Antonio mail is entirely 
cut off, to a man, the only remains found of the bloody struggle, 
were the irons of the carriage and the bones of the men in charge. 
Such Sir, are the reports which reach us from day to day, and it is a 
lamentable fact that they are increasing rapidly, to such an extent, 
that if such outrages continue much longer, our Territory, instead 



IB. I. A., M. L., February, 1852. The signature only of this letter is in the hand- 
writing of Calhoun. 



486 CORKESrONDKXCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

of becoining settled with an industrious and thriving popuhition. 
will be left a howling wilderness, with no other inhabitants than 
the wolf, and the birds of prey hovering over the mangled remains 
cf our murdered countrymen. It would not be improper to inform 
you that a train of wagons loaded with government freight from 
Fort Fillmore to the Copper Mines, has also been cut off, the team- 
sters alone escaping; it is also rumored that an exploring expedition 
which started from this place on the 25th of January, to the Gila 
river, has also been cut off, of this rumor we have as yet no con- 
firmation, and we all sincerely hope that it may prove nothing more 
than a rumor. What is most to be regretted is, that not one single 
act of the Indians has been chastised, while all these sad occurrences 
are being committed in the immediate vecinity of where the U. S. 
troops are stationed. You are aware, Sir that our Territory is sur- 
I'ounded by Indians, on all sides, and that with the exception of the 
Gila Apaches, they are in a perfect state of quietude, and bid fair to 
become useful and valuable neighbors, but if these Gila Indians are 
not chastised, for their depredations and murders, and that at a verj^ 
early day, the consequence will be, that all our neighboring Indians 
will follow in their footsteps, and you will easily imagine the results. 
In conclusion. Sir, your better judgement will suggest the means by 
which the heart rending calamity, which hangs over us, may be 
averted, and we feel confident that the Administration will promptly 
use all the means at its command, to afford us all the protection we 
require, and secure for us a lasting peace with our Indian neighbors. 
With the highest consideration 
I have the honor to be 

Very Respectfully 

Your Obedient Servant, 

J. S. Calhoun 
Hon Daniel Websfer 

Seerefary of State 

Washington City 
B.C. 

[CALHOUN TO LEA.'] 

; Executive Department 

Santa Fe' New Mexico 

Fehruary W 1852 

Sir 

It is with sincere regret that I have to continue enumerating deeds 
of murder and rapine committed by the Apache Indians on the 
western borders of the Rio del Norte During the early part of this 



O. I. a., New Mexico Supy., N 84. 



\ 



COKRESPONDENOE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 487 

month a train of Wagons belonging to Mr Constante, loaded with 
stores for Fort Webster, at the Copper Mines was attacked by the 
Indians, the mules all Killed or driven off, the wagons plundered of 
their contents, and destroyed, the teamsters alone escaping after 
making all the resistance in their power. A few da^^s after, a party 
of men, it is said under the command of Maj Eichardson started in 
pursuit of the Indians, who had murdered a Mexican in the neigh- 
borhood of El Paso, two sergeants and a Corporal were in advance of 
the company when the Indians sprung from an ambush, butchered 
them before the eyes of the men. and forced the Company to retreat. 
The Rev Juan F. Ortiz, Vicar of the Territory, while on his way to 
this place from the State of Durango had all his animals stolen from 
him, at the Pass. The mail from El Paso was attacked on the Jor- 
nada, while in company with an Escort from Fort Fillmore, two of 
the soldiers were Killed and one wounded, a mexican who was in the 
party started back to convey information to the post, but he was 
overtaken by the Indians, Killed and scalped. The Pass mail also 
reports that the San Antonio mail is entirely cut off and not one man 
remaining to tell the sad tale. Several animals have been driven off 
from Mr. Whites plantation at Frontera. It is also rumored that 
an exploring expedition which started from this place on the 25th of 
Jany for the Gila has also been completely destroyed, a mexican 
alone escaping, this rumor however is not confirmed and may turn 
out to be false. These wholesale robberies and murders are of such 
uninten-upted continuance, that the inhabitants of this Territory 
are in a state bordering on despair, and Know not where to ask for 
aid. They have no arms or other means to defend themselves, their 
only remedy is in flight, or submit patiently to see their firesides re- 
duced to ashes, their wives and children borne away into captivity 
and themselves submitted to the horrid death of the Scalping Knife. 

I was informed by the Hon Secretary of State that until I should 
receive further instructions, my correspondence as Governor of the 
Territory' should be addressed to that Department. I have for- 
warded to liim this day a petition addressed to me by the Citi- 
zens of Socorro, and my correspondence with Col. Sumner on the 
subject, and as I desire you to be fully informed of the condition of 
our Indian relations, I beg leave to accompany a copy of the above 
mentioned documents. 

If Col. Sumner had furnished me with the arms and necessary ac- 
coutrements requested in my letter to him, it was my intention to 
have armed the Militia, take the feild in person and see for myself 
that the hostile Indians were chastised into obedience or have them 
entirelv exterminated. 



488 COKEESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

The Apaches east of the Kio del Norte have committed no depre- 
dations that we can complain of since May 1851, at which time I 
celebrated a treaty with them. I am however advised that these In- 
dians are being tampered with, and are becoming restless. They have 
been taught to beleive that the Government of the United States and 
especially their Superintendent who should take care of and provide 
for them, consider them a poor, worthless and degraded race of be- 
ings, unworthy of presents or notice, that the Utah Indians are a great 
people and that the Navajoes are a great people, and that on that 
account large presents are being made to them. I have, therefore, 
determined, rather than to have the road to the United States closed 
against ingress or egress, to call these Indians together on or about 
the 15th of March and assume the responsibility of giving them 
provisions and presents to as limited an extent as possible without 
endangering the end to be attained. 

No Indians could have behaved better for the last two years, than 
the Utahs, they are desirous and are constantly inviting, all Ameri- 
cans, except those who are endeavouring to take forcible possession 
of their lands to come out and trade with them. 

The Navajos seem to be perfectly tranquil and contented, they 
have not committed a depredation, that I know of since the 18th of 
October last. Traders are now travelling alone, or in parties of two 
and three in every direction of their Territory, and report that the 
Indians are Kind, generous and hospitable, and manifest every feel- 
ing of friendship. 

On the 1st inst, in consequence of the efforts of mischevious and 
evil intentioned persons at Jemez and its vicinity, to interfere with 
the Navajo Indians, I deemed it advisable to appoint Major General 
S. M. Baird Special Agent for the Navajo Indians, to be located at 
Jemez, he is allowed an Interpreter, and forage for two animals and 
the pay authorized by law to Agents and Interpreters in this Terri- 
tory. The vigorous measures adopted by him have already produced 
their fruit, these mischevious persons are now doubtless afloat in 
some other quarters. 

In consequence of my inability to receive any Official information, 
and deeming it of the utmost importance to be well advised of the 
circumstances transpiring in the lower portion of this Territory, I 
have appointed Mr Charles Overman, Special Agent for that region, 
he is to receive the same pay as other Agents, he is not allowed an 
Interpreter, as he stands in no need of any, but I have allowed him 
forage for one animal. I herewith accompany a copy of his commis- 
sion and the instructions given him. 

The Pueblo Indians continue in their usual state of quietude, and 
none are disturbed but those complaining of wrongs committed by 



COERESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 489 

Mexicans and Americans, differences between the Pueblos and the 
Mexicans will continue until the end of time unless t]ie Government 
of the United States shall provide for their adjustment. I allude in 
part to questions of land : I am compelled almost daily to hear com- 
plaints of Mexicans against the Indians, in regard to property, and 
deem it of the utmost importance that the Government of the United 
States should take the proper steps to bring about a speedy adjust- 
ment of these vexed questions. 

In conclusion allow me to inform you, that for the last two months, 
I have been scarcely able, and at times utterly unable to discharge 
my duties, and even now I am compelled to employ a friend to assist 
me as an amanuensis. My physician has informed me, that in my 
feeble and exhausted condition I must leave the annoyances, vexa- 
tions and duties of my post for the present, and consequently, un- 
less the next mail should bring peremptory orders or instructions 
requiring my immediate presence I shall leave this place on or about 
the 1st of April next for the United States. 
Very Respectfully 

Your Obedient Servant. 

J. S. Calhoun 
Hon L. Lea. 

Gonimr Ind AJfs. 

Washington City 

D C. 

[CALHOUN TO LEA.'] 

Executive Department 

Santa Fe Neav Mexico 

February 29, 1852 
Sir 

On yesterday I received a note from John Greiner Esq Indian 
Agent, notifying me that he had been advised, by you that his returns 
for the quarter ending September 30 1851, had not been received by 
you, within the time prescribed by law, and that in consequence of 
which he had been reported to the President &c 

A few words of explanation, will be sufficient to exhonerate Mr. 
Greiner from an}^ blame that may be attached to him in reference to 
the matter. In consequence of not receiving any funds from the De- 
partment for Contingencies, he was supplied by me, from the funds 
in my hands applicable to that purpose, at the end of the quarter his 
returns were handed to me. By referring to my abstract for the 
quarter ending Septbr 30th you will perceive that his, as well as 
Agent Wingfields returns are included as vouchers in my Abstract, 



O. I. A., New Mexico Supy., N 28. 



490 CORRESPONDEXCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

;md accounts for money drawn on the Department for contingencies. 
In the absence of instructions from the Department I deemed this the 
most advisable course to pursue. If there was any error in the affair 
it was mine, not Mr. Greiners. and pray you that the information 
conveyed to the President may be immediately recalled. Mr. 
Greiners services as Indian Agent, have been of the greatest service 
m this Territory, indeed, without him, I could not have discharged 
with satisfaction, my duties as Indian Superintdt. 

I trust therefore that the matter will be adjusted as soon as pos- 
sible, and Mr Greiner be informed that the complaint has been with- 
drawn, and that his returns have given entire satisfaction. 
Very Respectfully 

Your Obedient Servant 

J. S. Cai.houn 
Hon. L. I^KA 

Com/rm\ Ind Affs. 

^V ashing ton City 
D. 6'. 

[CALHOUN TO LEA.'] 

ExECDTiVE Department 

Santa Fe New Mexico 

February 29, 1852. 
Sir 

Your letter of the 20th Decbr 1851, acknowledging the receipt of 
Agent Greiners report, that of the 29th advising me that the Hon. 
J. R Tullis account has been settled, and that of the 7th of January 
1852 acknowledging the receipt of my letter of the 21)th October 
1851, and authorizing me to draw on you for the $500 allowed to 
Agents Weightman and Wingfeild, have been received, and shall 
avail myself of the authority theirin contained. 
Very Respectfully 

Your Obedt Servant 

J. S. Calhoun 
Hon L. Lea 

Commr Ind Affs 

Washington City 

[CALHOUN TO LEA.] 

Executive Depart^ient 

Santa Fe New Mexico 

February 29, 1852. 
Sir 

I have this day drawn on you, in favor of Wm S McKnight Esq. 
for Six hundred and Sixty three 08/100 Dollars, payable at sight. 

^ O. I. A.. New Mexico Supy., N 29. = Ibid., N 31. 



COEEESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUX. 491 

The amount of this draft is the balance due this Superintendency 
on the quarter ending December 31. 1851, and of which I advised you 
in my letter of the 2d inst. 

Hoping it may be duly honored and paid, I beg leave to remain 
Very Respectfully 

Your Obedient Servant 

J. S. Calhoun 
Supt. Ind. Aifa 
Hon L. Lea 

Gommr Ind Affs 

Washington City 
D. C 

[LEA TO CALHOUN.'] 

Department of the Interior, 

Office Indian Affairs 

Marclx U: 1852. 
Calhoun, His Excy : J. S. 

Gov. C&G 
Santa Fe N. Mexico 
Sir, 

The accounts, for the 4th quarter of the past year, of Agents Grei- 
ner & Woolley, transmitted with your letters of the 28th January, 
have been received, together with your communication of the 31st, 
respecting the double payment of salary to the latter. 
Very respectfully. Your Obt Svt 

L. Lea 
Commr: 

[CALHOUN TO LEA."] 

Executive Department 

Santa Fe New Mexico 

March 17, 1852. 
Sir 

I have this day drawn on you in favor of M"" John R Wells, or 
order, for Five hundred Dollars payable at sight, being amount for 
contingencies allowed to E. H. Wingfield Esq, and authorized to be 
drawn by me, in your letter of the 7th January 1852 
Very Respectfully 

Your Obedient Servant 

J. S. Calhoun 
Hon. L. Lea 

Gomm/ of Ind Afs 

Washington City 

D.G. 



« O. I. a., L. B., No. 45, p. 480. « O. I. A., New Mexico Supy., C 109. 



492 CORRESPONDENCE OE JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

[CALHOUN TO LEA.^] 

Executive Department 

Santa Fe New Mexico 

March 17, ISdH. 
Sib 

I have this day drawn on you in favor of M"" John R. Wells, or 
order, for Five hundred Dollars payable at sight, being amount of 
contingencies allowed to Major R. H. Weightman, and authorized to 
be drawn by me, in your letter of the Tth of January 1852. 
Very respectfully 

Your Obedient Servant 

J. S. Calhoun 
Hon. L. Lea 

GomrrV' of hid Ajfs. 

Washington City 

D.C. 

[LEA TO CALHOUN.'] 

Department of the Intk 

Office Indian Affairs 

March 18th 185'^. 
Calhoun, His Exey, J. S. 

Governor &c. 

Santa Fe, 

New Mexico. 
Sir, 

The accounts transmitted with your two letters of the 31st Janu- 
ary, and one of the 2d. February, have been received. 
Very respectfully. 

Your Obt Svt 

L. Lea 
Comm/r: 

[SUMNER TO CALHOUN.'] 

Copy 

Hd Qrs 9th Department 
NEAR Albuquerque New Mexico 

March ?Ast 1852. 
Governor 

I regret to learn from Mr. Merritt * that the Gila Apaches have been 
committing depredations at San Antonio, the place where this war 
originated, and thereabout. I have ordered a movement of troops 



1 O. I.. A., New Mexico Supy., C 90. 

«0. I. A., L. B., No. 45, p. 494. 

3 A. G. O., Department of New Mexico, vol. 8, p. 180. 

* Probably C. H. Merritt, the same who, on September 9, 1851, applied to Secretary 
Stuart for the position of Indian Agent in the place of R. H. Weightman. See O. I. A., 
New Mexico Supn, M 1542. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 493 

in that direction, and I will issue to you 100 stands of arms, with 
ammunition, for the use of the people in that vicinity, if you think 
proper to receive them. As I can have no control over these arms 
after they are put into the hands of citizens, I shall, of course, be 
obliged to turn them over to you. Colonel Brooks has been ordered ^ 
to make the issue, on your application 
With high respect 

Your obt Serv*^ 

E. V. Sumner 
Bvt Col U. S. A. 

Comg Deft. 
His Excy 

J. S. Calhoun 

[Related Correspondence.] 

[SUMNER TO BROOKS.^] 

Head Qrs 9th Dept 
Near AlbuquerquS N. M 

Mar 21/52 

«30L 

If the Governor should apply to you for arms, I wish you to issue to him 
SOO flint lock muskets, in good firing order, 100 cartridge boxes & belts (old 
pattern) and 5000 buk and ball cartridges My express will go up on the 24th. 
The Govr will, of course, receipt to you for these things, as I can have no 
<"ontrol over them after they are put into the hands of citizens. 
Very Respectfully 
Yours 

[E. V. Sumner! 
Lt Col H Brooks 

Cornel g at 

Santa Fe 
(Give them 300 flints) 

[SUMNER TO BROOKS."] 

Head Quarters, 9th Dept: 

Near Albuquerque N. M. 

April 3d 1852. 
Lieut. Col. H. Brooks 
Colonel, 

Please say to the Governor that I will have the 100 old pattern muskets 
brought from Fort Union as soon as possible if he wants them. I presume 
these muskets will be much better for the Mexicans than the others, as they are 
imaccustomed to the percussion lock. 

If the Governor wants these arms, please write immediately to Cap't: Shoe- 
maker and say to him, from me, that I wish him to send them to you. 
Very respectfully 

B V Sumner 
Bvt: Col: USA 

Comdg. Dept: 

1 See Sumner to Brooks. March 21, 1852, and also April 3, 1852. 

" A. G. A., Old Book, No. 5A. 

« A. G. O., Department of New Mexico, Dp. 202-203. 



r. 



494 COERESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

[GREINER TO CALHOUN.^] 

1852 
Santa P'p: New Mexico 31 arch £6 
Hon. J. S. Calhoun 

Governor & Superintendent of Indian Affairs New Mexico 
Sir 

Since my last Keport on the condition of the Pueblo ^ Indians lo- 
cated in the Rio Abajo * — I have visited the Pueblos on the Rio 
Arriba.* 

The Taos, — Pieuris, — San Juan, — Santa Clara— San Ildefonso — 
Pojoaque,— Nambe, & Tesiique, Pueblos have all been erected within, 
or near the Valley of the Rio Del Norte North of Santa Fe. 

It Avill be unnecessary to enter into the particulars of the many 
complaints made in the different Councils held with these people — as 
they are of the same character made in my former Report. 

They respectfully ask that the Documents relating to the owner- 
ship of their lands may be translated, and investigated — their boun 
daries fixed — and that they may be protected from the depredations 
of their Mexican Neighbors. 

The Pueblo of Taos lies in the Taos Valley 80 miles north of Santa 
Fe and is one of the best in the Territory. The population is about 
five or Six hundred and althougli they have been much annoyed by the 
Mexicans taking water from their Acequias — and grazing their Stock 
upon the Pueblo pasture lands, they have but few complaints to make, 
and appear prosperous contented and happy. 

Col. Sumner kindly furnished me with an order for " a Sack of 
winter wheat — some barley — and a few garden seeds" for plant- 
ing — which order I have transferred to the principal Men of thi? 
Pueblo, as being the most competent to make the experiment. 

A Spanish school for children is now in successful operation — 
about twenty five children being in daily attendance nearly all of 
whom know their letters — and several of them can read. 

I have furnished Books for the use of this school— (as well as for 
several others) — and have promised to pay for the schooling of such 
Indian children, whose parents are too poor to bear the expense. 

I trust your P^xcellency will consider this item of my contingent 
fund well expended. 

If a Smith Shop could be established here for the use of this and 
the Pieuris Pueblos, it would be of much service to the Indians. 

The Eutaws regard the people of the Taos Pueblo as their especial 
friends— and place the most implicit confidence in them. 



» O. 1. A., New Mexico Sup^., N 30. 
- Note also Greiner's report to Lea. 

* Rio Abajo, tlie country below Santa F'o. 

* Rio .\rriba, the country above Santa Fe. 



OOKRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 495 

The Pueblo of Picuris lies at the South East side of the Taos 
Mountain in a snug little Valley on the L. Embuda Creek, about 15 
miles East of the Kio Del Norte and is a favorite resort of the Jica- 
rillas Apaches. 

This Pueblo is in a ruinous condition, many of the Buildings are 
falling down, and it will be but a few years untill they cease to exist 
as a people. 

The population at present is about 100 and decreasing rapidly. 

The Pueblo of San Juan is built on the road leading from Santa Fe 
to Taos — about half way from either place — and about one mile from 
the Rio Del Norte. 

Thei* Acequias are in good order — thei^= lands under line cultiva- 
people have 
tion — and they have but few grievances to complaio 

of. The population is about 400, and is one of the few Pueblos that 
is 
ttfe increasing in numbers. 

During the summer season the children are engaged in herding the 
stock, in which capacity their services cannot be dispensed with — 
But next winter it is the intention of the Principal Men in the Pueblo 
to establish a school. This is an excellent Pueblo, and every thing 
in connection with it is well conducted 

Santa Clara lies on the West Bank of the Rio Del Norte 30 miles 
north of Santa Fe, is well built and has a population of about 350 

The lands are too high to be irrigated from the Del ^orte and they 
have to depend upon a small creek that flows from the Mountains 
west of the Pueblo for sufficient water to fill their Acequias 

A Settlement near the head of this Stream, was about being made, 
which would have rendered all the Pueblo lands worthless by cutting 
off the water — but as those who wished to occupy the land had no 
right or title whatever orders were given that no settlement should be 
made, by which the Indian lands would be injured. 

San Ildefonso is located on the East Bank of the Rio Del Norte 
three miles below Santa Clara at the base of a high Mesa. This 
Pueblo has a fine large Plaza — the buildings are in good order — but 
nearly half the houses are occupied by Mexicans. Vexatious ques- 
tions are continually rising between the two parties, and the Indians 

kept 
are continually in trouble. 

The population is about 250, and decreasing. 

Pojoaque is built on the road from Santa Fe to Taos, about three 

East 

miles from San Ildefonso on the Pojoaque Creek, and although 

once the owners of much fine land — the people have been so crowded 

out by the Mexicans — that their number has been reduced to 48 and 



496 COKEESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

in a few years their rights as a Pueblo will be no longer recognized. 
It is now the smallest in the Territory. 

Nambe lies 3 miles East of Pojoaque on the same Creek which runs 
into the Del Norte 6 miles below has a population of about 200 and 
is in pretty good condition 

Tesuque is 9 miles north of Santa Fe is well built its lands are well 
watered from the Tesuque Creek and the people are very industrious 
population about 250 — 

Much has been said about the ruins of the Pueblo of Pecos^ and 
" speculation has been rife " as to the " Old Aztec ruins " " the sacred 
fire " " Montezuma— worshipping the rising sun &c &c The Pueblo 

South 
of Pecos is about 25 miles East of Santa Fe and was the 

only one of all the Pueblos that kept what was called the " Sacred fire 
of Montezuma "' continually burning. Like Taos it was one of the 
oldest Pueblos and the one can make as much pretensions to being 
an 

Aztec Buildinojs as the other. 

The smouldering fire that was kept alive in the E -s feuf fa Estufa, was 
not worshipped by the Pecos Indians — nor any of the Indians — as has 
been generally supposed. Neither did they or any other of the 
Pueblo Indians worship the rising sun. They are devoted adherents 
to the Catholic Faith and no other. 

The Indians of Pecos give as their only reason for keeping up a 
continual fire — that it was their custom — and commanded by Mon- 
tezuma to be observed. 

This Pueblo has gone to ruins for the same reasons so many of the 
others are so rapidly declining. 

The lands on the Pecos river all belonged to these people— but 
annoyed beyond endurance by the Mexicans living in their houses 
and seizing their property by piecemeal, — they continued to decrease 
in numbers until Seven years ago — when reduced to only four fami- 

re 
lies — they moved to the Pueblo of Jemes Sixty miles due west, 
whose people speak the same langiiage. 

There are four ditferent languages spoken by the Pueblos in the 
Territory in which the San Juan, Santa Clara— Nambe, Pojoaque & 
Tesuque Pueblos speak what is called the Teguas language— The 
Cochiti, Santo Domingo, San Felipe, Silla Santa Anna, Acoma & 
Laguna, the Quiguas language — Taos, Picuris, Sandia & Isletta, the 
Moqui language. — & Jemes & Pecos the Pecos language. 

It will be observed that Taos & Picuris the two Northern Pueblos 
speak the same language as the Isletta & Sandia Pueblo the two 
Southern— and Pecos the Eastern Pueblo the same as Jemes the 
Western. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 497 

Each language is entirely different from the other the people not 
understanding any other Pueblo language than their own — Nearly all 
the Indians speak, and understand Mexican, being taught it in their 
childhood soon after they lisp their own tongue. 

None of the Mexicans can understand the Pueblo language All 
of the Pueblos have great reverence for the name of Montezuma — 
who probably acted in the double capacity of Priest & Agent, ap- 
pointed by the Spanish government to look after the interests of the 
Pueblos to give them good counsel, and through whose instrumen- 
tality they gave up the chase — to support themselves by cultivating 
the earth. 

Supposing every thing relating to the " History and Reduction of 
the Indians to Pueblos," would be of interest to the Department, I 
have through the kindness of Dr. Thomas E Massey of this place — 
been able to obtain a translation of some of the Edicts & Laws of the 
Kings of Spain in relation to this people which may probably throw 
some light upon their interesting seb^eet history. 
Very respectfully 

Your Obt Servant 

John Greiner 

Indian Agent 

New Mexico 
[inglosuee] 

Land and water stattites. 

By Mariana Galvan Rivera. 



On the founding of Indian Pueblos — Requisites they must have — Limits pre- 
scribed to them — How they are to be measured — Their Privileges &c. 

The first disposition of these matters found in our code of Laws, is that of 
the Emi^eror Charles V, made at Cigales on the 21st. March 1551, and after- 
wards readopted by King Phillip II (vid "La Ley I, Tit III Lib 6. de la 
Recopilacion de Indias") which literally reads as follows: "The effort has 
ever been made, with much care and particular attention, to make use of 
such means as are most suitable for the instruction of the Indians in the Holy 
Catholic Faith, and Scriptural Law. to the end that, forgetting their ancient 
rites and ceremonies, they might live in fellowship under established rule; 
and in order that this object might be attained with the greater certainty, the 
members of our Council of the Indias and other religious persons, on dif- 
ferent occasions, met together, and in the year 1546, by order of the Emperor 
Charles V, of glorious memory, there convened the Prelates of New Spain ; who 
desiring to render service to God and ourself, resolved that the Indians should 
be brought to settle (reduced to Pueblos) and that they should not live divided 
and separated by mountains and hills, depriving themselves of all benefit 
spiritual and temporal, without aid from our agents and that assistance which 
5021—1.5^—32 



498 COKKESPONDENCE Of JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

human wants require men mutually to render one another; and in order that 
the propriety of this resolution might be recognized, the Hon. Judges, Presi- 
dents and Governors, were charged and commanded by different orders of 
the Kings, our predecessors, that, with much mildness and moderation they 
should carry into effect the reduction, settlement, and instruction of the In- 
dians — acting with so much justice and delicacy, that, without causing any 
difficulties, t4ir+ a motive might be presented to those that could not be brought 
to settle, in the hope that as soon as they witnessed the good treatment and 
protection of such as had been reduced to pueblos, they might consent to offer 
themselves of their own accord; and order was given that they should not 
pay higher duties than what was established by law; and whereas the above 
was executed in the larger part of our Indians: Therefore we Ordain and 
Command, That in all the other portions care be taken that it be carried into 
effect, and the agents shall urge it according to, and in the form declared by 
the laws of this Title. 

Phillip II, in consequence of the intentions of the Emperor Charles, pub- 
lished a statute on the founding of settlements, and in Articles 34, 35, and 36 
(which are found inserted in " Ley 1. tit V, lib 4 de la Recopilacion de Indias") 
he says expressly " We ordain that, when it is determined to settle any prov- 
ince or territory, of those which are now under our authority or may hereafter 
be discovered, the settlers shall take care and observe that the country is 
healthy — ascertaining whether theyre may live in it men of great age, and youths 
of a good complexion, disposition, and color — whether the animals and flocks 
are healthy and of ample size, the fruits and articles of food good, the lands 
suitable for sowing and harvesting abundant — whether there grow things 
poisonous and hurtful — whether the skies have a good and happy constilla- 
tion, clear and benignant; the air pure and soft without objection or altera- 
tion; the temperature free from excess in heat or cold (and having an inclina- 
tion to the one or the other state, selecting the cold) ; — whether there is pas- 
turage for the growth of flocks, mountains and trees for wood, materials for 
houses and other buildings, and water abundant and suitable for drinking, 
and irrigation. Indians and natives to whom the Gospel mny he preached, as 
the Chief motive of our intention : Finding a concurrence of these qualities, 
or the principal of them, they may proceed to a settlement, observing the laws 
of this book." 

It was likewise found ordered by the Emperor Charles in the decree of the 
26 June 1523 ("Ley 1. tit XII lib 12) "That the Viceroys and Governors who 
might possess the authority, should mark out to each town and place which 
might be founded and settled for the first time, the lands and building lots 
that might be requisite; and they shall donate them for possessions, without 
injury to a third person, and let them send us an account of what may have 
been assigned and given to each one. so that we may command the confirma- 
tion of it." And in the same manner other rules had been established touching 
the administration and preservation of the common property and common 
revenues (arbitrios) of the Pueblos, or settlements themselves, as may be 
seen in the same Code of Laws. But King Phillip TI, in order to supply the 
deficiency, which was observed in the laws of the Emperor Charles, ordered, 
by another decree which was published in Pardo on 1st. Deer: 1573, ("Ley 8. 
tit III. lib 6) that the sites on which Pueblos and settlements were to be 
formed, should have water privileges, lands and mountains, entrances and 
exits, fai'ming lands, and a common (egido) of a league in extent, where the 
Indians might keep their herds without mixing with those of the Spaniards. 

Another decree of Charles V, of the year 1533 ("Ley 7, tit IV, lib 17 de la 
Recopilacion de Indias") likewise ordered that the mountains, pastures, and 



COEEESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 499 

waters of Die places Jind mountains contained in the grants of lands which had 
been or should be made in the Indias, had to be common to the Spaniards and 
Indios. "And so we order the Viceroys and Courts to take care and see that 
it is done." And in the subsequent year. 1541, the same Emi>ei'or commanded 
("Ley 5. tit 7 lib. citado) : "That the pastures, mountains and waters should 
be common in the Indias." And inasmuch as some persons, without a title 
from His Majesty had occupied a very great portion of limits and lands, it 
should not be permitted to any one to mal<e an inclosure or cabin, nor to carry 
their herds there, except they should be common io all the neighbors, notwith- 
standing whatever statutes may have been made to the contrary. 

And lastly, by the Royal decree of 20th. Oct. ]538. ("Ley 14. tit III lib. 6 
De la Recopilacion de Indias) King Phillip II ordered: That if. in carrying 
into effect the fulfilment and execution of the reduction (of the Indians to 
Pueblos), which was commanded to be done according to the design of the 
Emperor, the Viceroys, Presidents and Governors, should provide and deter- 
mine and any persons should be aggrieved and should appeal, it should be 
adjusted before the Council of the Indias, and no other tribunal, nevertheless 
the sentence had to be so executed as that the reductions should take effect. 
And inasmuch as the Indians had to have lands waters and mountains assigned 
and given them, should they be taken away from the Spaniards, a just return 
should be made them in another place, and in such an event a commission 

any 
of three of the ministers of llie Court shall be held, in order that if som e 
should suffer damage, they might hear their appeal and cause redress to be 
made, on the subject inhibited in the Courts. 

In virtue then of the above mentioned laws, and for their more thorough 
and exact fulfillment, the statutes which still bear his name, were published 
and ordered to be put into practice by His Excellency, the Marquis de Falces, 
Viceroy of New Spain, and they were corrected and confirmed by the Royal 
Edict of 4th June 1687. And, as, in this arrangement, there has been readopted, 
lu the clearest manner, what was charged in them regarding the founding 
and measures of Indian pueblos, we may be excused the literal copying of 
them. This Royal order, and that which follows has been recently published 
in the Hispano-Mexican Pandects Vol. 2. Nos. 2478 and 2479, and the tenor is 
;is follows: 

THE 7t/AG.— Whereas in my Royal Council of the Indias, they are advised 
that the Marquis of Falces, Count of Saint Stephen, Viceroy of the Provinces 
of New Spain, issued an ordenance on the 26th. May 1567 by which he ordered 
that such of the Indian pueblos as might need lands upon which to live and 
sow should have given to them five hundred varas and more should it be nec- 
essary, and that from that time forward tliere should not be granted to any 
one any lands or grounds, unless they should be located a thousand varas, 
cloth or silk measure, away from and seperated from the pueblos and houses 
of the Indians, And the lands five hundred varas removed from said settle- 
ment, as is obvious from the evidence of said ordenance, which has reached 
the Council, have been contrary to custom, order, and practice, have been 
encroached upon by the owners of estates and lands, thereby depriving the 
Indians of them and seizing upon them, sometimes violently sometimes fraud- 
idently, for which cause the miserable Indians leave their houses and town, 
which is what the Spaniards seek for and desire, and obtaining these thousand 
or five hundred varas, which have to be .ipart from the towns, they measure 
irom the Church, or public house (ermita) which the people generally have in 



OOO COREESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

the center of the place, and which happens to comprehend in them the whole 
plot of the town, whereby they lose what had been given them, it being neces- 
sary to understand the last five hmidred varas, by the four winds, which is 
arranged and commanded in the Laws 12 and 18 tit. XII lib. 4. de la " Nueva 
Recopilacion de ludias," and on account of the many difficulties, losses, and 
injuries, which thus befall these poor natives, it has been thought proper to 
command, that such Indian pueblos as might need lands to live upon and cul- 
tivate should have given to them not only five hundred varas, as the said 
ordenance provides, but whatever might be necessary, measuring them from 
the farthest limits and houses of the place outward by the four winds— these 
five hundred varas East, as many more West, North, and South, leaving always 
the plot of the pueblos unincluded, or a vacant space, giving these five hundred 
varas of lands not only to the chief or capital pueblo, but all the rest that may 
ask for and need them, as well in the pueblos already inhabited as in those 
which might hereafter be founded and peopled, since thus all will have lands 
to cultivate, and upon which their flocks may graze and feed, it being just and 
of my Royal Charity to have a regard for the Indians, who, I am informed 
suffer so much injustice and trouble, in view of their being those who pay 
more, render services and enrich my royal crown and all my vassals. With 
which design, and seeing what in view of them, and the said testimony and 
Laws 12 & 18 of the " Nueva Recopilaciou de Indias," the Attorney General of 
my said Council of Indias has said and alleged, I have thought it best to order 
and command, as by these presents I do, that in conformity with the ordenance 
which the Viceroy, Count Saint Stephen formed and decreed on the 2Gth May 
1567, and the compiled laws referred to, that there shall be given and assigned, 
generally to all the Indian pueblos of New Spain for their farming grounds no( 
only the five hundred varas around the place of settlement, and these meas- 
ured from the church, but from the farthest house of the place, as well. East- 
ward and Westward, as North and South; and not only the said five hundred 
varas, but a hundred varas more up to full Six hundred varas; and should the 
place of settlement be more than ordinarily contracted, and should not seem 
sufficient for all, my Viceroy of New Spain and my Royal Court of Mexico 
shall take care, as I now charge and command them to do, to set them apart a 
much larger quantity, and that they shall mark off and assign to the said 
places and settlements as many more varas of land as shall appear to them 
necessary without limitation. — And in regard to th e pastuj ce-huids. .it is my 
will and order, that there shall not only be separated from the settlements and 
Indian places the thousand varas mentioned in the said ordenance of 26th May 
1567, but even a hundred varas more, and that these one thousand one hun- 
dred varas shall be measured from the last house of the settlement or place, 
and not from the Church; and if it should seem to my Viceroys of New Spain 
that the pasture grounds are at greater distances than within the said one 
thousand one hundred varas, it shall be declared as soon as this dispatch is 
received or is made known, that in relation to all the above, I give to my Royal 
Court of Mexico power and authority to order to be done and executed what- 
ever may be necessary without limitation whatever, enjoining them as I now 
do, that they shall seek by all possible means improvement in the treatment 
and preservation of the Indians, not only the maintenance and preservation of 
them, as ordered and decreed by the Ordenance of 26th. May 1567 and laws 12 
and 18 of the " Nueva Recopilaciou de Indias," which have been cited, but 
this shall be with the increase of varas made in this dispatch, as well touch- 
ing the lands to be given to and held by the Indians to live upon and cultivate, 
as touching the distance the pasture lands are to be — having the same quan- 
tity of varas which the said Viceroy and Roy.'il Court of Mexico might feel 



COKRESPONUENCE OE JAMES S. CALHOUN. 501 

couvinced they need, aud they shall be seperated and assigned them, as such 
is my pleasure and suits my service: and of whatever of this may be executed, 
a general and particular account shall be given me on all occasions, because I 
desire to be informed of whatever may be done for the benefit of the Indians. 
Done in Madrid 4th. June 16S7. I THE KING. By command of the King, 
our Master. D. Antonio Ortiz de Otitalora. Sealed with four rubrics. 

This Royal Decree was confirmed by that which follows, of King Ferdinand 
VI, directed to the Chief Alcalde of Texcoco, and gained by Captain Augustine 
Muiioz de Sandoval, in consequence of a law suit which he sustained with the 
natives of Coatepec Chalco and others near to and joining his possessions of 
Acuautla &c, in that .lurisdiction. It is found among the papers aud titles 
appertaining to the Marquisate of Castaiiiza, whose last possessor was the 
Illustrious Juan Francisco de Castailiz-a, Most Worthy Bishop of Durango, now 
deceased : — 

THE KING— President and Judges of my Royal Court of Mexico: On the 
part of the laborers of New Spain it has been represented to me that there are 
many vexations and troubles which they receive and suffer, in consequence of 
the law suits which the Indians are continually bringing against them, whence 
damage results not only to their estates but mine, to remedy which they pray 
that I would be pleased to command their privileges to be protected, which have 
been conceded them by the Kings my predecessors, observing them to the letter 
and not by interpretation — that a protector of their cause shall be conceded 
them, and that he may be a Minister of the Court — that in respect to the man- 
ner of the Indians depriving them of their farming and pastoral lands, they 
avail themselves of the building of huts of grass wood and stone, and with this 
pretext apply to the court, in order that (conformably to the Ordinance of the 
Marquis de Falces, Count of Saint Stephen, of 26th. May 1457 ^ there may be 
measured to them the five hundred varas which have to be from their estates 
to those of the Indians, these latter by this means, obtaining an entrance upon 
their lands, and that although this injury is one of great importance, that is 
still greater which results from the decree of 4th. June 1687, since there is 
given to the Indians an additional hundred varas over and above the five hun- 
dred, commanding that they shall be measured by the four winds, from the last 
house leaving free the plot of the town ; and this being so much to the detri- 
ment of the laborers, they petition that it shall not be put into practice, and 
that the meaning of the Ordinance may be understood as regarding those pueblos 
which may have been settled, before the granting and founding of their estates 
(haciendas), and that the measures may be understood not from the last house 
of the pueblo, but from the centre of the' church which is in the middle ; and 
that this shall apply only to such as may be chief or capital towns, where is the 
Most Holy Sacrament, the Governors aud Chief Alcaldes ; since, a good reason 
why the said varas should be measured to the Indians from the cen t- re of the 
church, as prayed for, is found in the fact viz that they have not their houses 
in a regular form, as some are distant from the others, thirty or forty varas, 
and some even the fourth of a league, whereby their estates are damaged. — that 
the Indians shall not be allowed to make huts ( jacales) not hermitages (ermitas) 
on their working lands, since by this pretext exciting a false impression, they 
build a pueblo and lands are measured and given them, aud they (the laborers) 
are despoiled of their estates and other matters, by the sales which the Indians 
iiiade of them, and other stocks and values which the laborers may advance the 
Indian day-laborers, the felling and burning which are done in the mountains, 
and the visits which the Governors and Chief Alcaldes make upon their estates 

1 Date evidently wrong. 



502 COERESl'OXDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

jiDd pasture grounds for private ends and interests, carrying off exorbitant 
salaries — wliicli subject being investigated in my Council of Indias, with the 
attention whicli the matter required, what you reported about it in your letter 
of 17 January, and what as regards the whole the Attorney General said, I have 
resolved, that the Decree issued on the 4th. June 1687 and above cited shall be 
carefully complied with and executed, the receipt of which you have informed 
me, and that it is understood that the distance which has to be of six hundred 
varas must be thro' the lands and fields of the Indians of that jurisdiction, to 
those of the laborers; they shall be counted from the center of the Pueblos, 
understanding this to be from their church, and not from the last house: and 
tiifttlet the same be done as regards the thousand and one hundred varas which 
have to be between the pueblo and the pasture grounds, let them be counted in 
the proper manner : and if injury should thus be done, as well to the lands of 
tbe Indian division as to that of the laborers, the one and the other shall bo 
compensated, enlarging their distances in the place which may be recognized 
as the most appropriate, and the least prejudicial to either of the parties; and 
if there be no lands, as well of the Indian divisions as of the laborers' adjust- 
ments (composiciones) wherewith to compensate the damage, let it be done 
with those that belong to me; and you will be very careful to see this done, ii^ 
so just a manner, that no cause of complaint shall be given either to the Indians 
or the laborers, and that no law suits may be raised between them, the rather 
let there be practiced so much equity, that each one may be encouraged to 
confine himself to the limits which may belong to him ; and you will pay especial 
attention to the well-being and improvement of the Indians as I have com- 
manded, so that, so far as may be, shall be benefitted, as such is my will ; ami 
of the receipt of this dispatch and the observance of its dispositions, you will 
inform me on the first occasion. 

Dated Madrid 12 July 1695 I THE KING. By Command of the King our 
master. Dn. Bernardino Antonio de Pardinas y Vilhir de Franco. Signed with 
three rubies. 

Lastly, we subjoin in continuation the Laws to which the two above royal 
decrees refer which should he remembered in cases which may occur touchiiii: 
this matter. 



Law 12. Tit XII Lib. 4 De Recopilacion de Indias. 
Given by the Emperor Charles in Madrid 12 March 1550 In it is commanded 
that the pasture grounds shall be given apart from the Pueblos and seed grounds 
of the Indians. 

"Whereas the pasture grounds of cattle, mares, hogs, and other stock 
large and small cause great damage to the corn fields of the Indians, especially 
such as run loose, without being guarded. We Command that no pasture lands 
shall be granted in parts or places where injury can re.sult, and where it cannot 
be avoided, they shall be remote from the settlements and fields of the Indians, 
since there are lands, and grasses apart upon which the flock may graze and 
feed without damage; if k r t. and that justice may be done let the owners of 
flocks and those interested in the public welfare, place as many sheppards 
».uu guards as may suffice to prevent damage, and in the event that any 
should occur let satisfaction be made." 

Law 20. Tit. HI. Book 6. Same Code. 

Given by King Phillip III 10th. Oct. 1618. 

It is commanded in it that near to the Indian settlements ( Reducciones ) 
there shall not be any pasture grounds. " We command that the grazing 



COEEESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 503 

grounds of large stock shall not be within a league and a half of the old 
settlements (reducciones antiques) and those of small stock less than half a 
league ; and in the new settlements that may be made, the limits shall be twice 
as great, under penalty of losing the pasture grounds and one half of the 
stock which may be upon them, and all owners shall keep a good guard under 
penalty of paying the damage they may do; and the Indians may kill the 
stock that may enter upon their lands, without any penalty; and let in all 
things the law be observed 12. tit. XII lib. 4th." 



Law 19. tit. IX Book 6 of Same Code. 

(Given by the Emperor Charles in Valladolid May 2nd. 1549.) 
That the Superintendants (Encomenderos) shall not grow swine in their 
pueblos, and shall observe the laws. 

" We command, that it shall not be allowed and permitted to the Spaniards 
to raise hogs in the pueblos under their superintendence (de sus encomiendas) 
tior within the limits of the Indian farming lands, or others in which injury 
might result, but shall place them upon such ««* lands as may be vacant, with- 
out injuring the Indians or other grounds ; and observe the provisions of Laws 
12. Tit. XII, Book 4, and 20 tit III of This " 



Law 8. Tit. 12. Book 4. of Same Code. 

(Given by King Phillip IV in Madrid 16th. March 1642) 

That lands be left to the Indians. 

"We ordain that the sale, improvement and arrangement (composicion) of 
lands shall be made with regard to the Indians, that there may be left to them 
all the lands which may belong to them, even more (con sobra) as well to in- 
dividuals as to communities, also waters, and aqueducts; and the lands upon 
which aqueducts (acequias) may have been made or any other improvement, 
whereby thro' their personal industry they may have been enhanced, shall be 
in the first place reserved for them, and in no event shall they sell or alienate 
them ; and the judges whose business it is, shall specify the Indians that may 
be found on the lands, and the lands that may remain to each one of the tribu- 
taries (tributaries) old men, reserved men, caciques, governors, absentees and 
communities." 



Law 14 Tit III Book 6 of Same Code 

(Given by King Phillip III 20th. October 159S.) 

That in lawsuits about the settlements (reducciones) of the Indians, the 
provisions of this law shall be observed. 

"If in the accomplishmont and execution of the settlements (reducciones) 
the Viceroys, Presidents and Governors should provide and determine and any 
persons should be aggrieved, and should put in an appeal, it shall he brought 
before our Council of Indias, and no other triburia!, !»«vertheless judgement is 
to be so executed as that the settlements (reduccion) may take effect. And, i.. 
asmuch as the Indians had to have lands waters & mountains assigned and 
given them, should the Spaniards be despoiled of them, there shall be given 
them a just equivalent (recompensa) in another place; and in such a case, a 
convention (junta) of two or three ministers of th^ rk»iirt £Andiencia) should 



504 COKRESPOXDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

be formed in order that if any persons should be aggrieved their appeal should 
be heard, and they should cause the injury to be redressed, wherein we have 
injoined our Courts (Sobro qua inhibimos nuestras audiencias)" 

The privileges which the graziers and farmers enjoy likewise shall be ex- 
pressed farther on in a different chapter. Keeping then in view whatever may 
have been arranged in relation to the establishment, measures and preserva- 
tion of the Indian pueblos, it follows that we should likewise make mention of 
whatever else the Spanish Monarchs provided and determined in order to avoid 
the inconveniences that might result from the giving and selling of " cabal- 
lerias, peonias " and other descriptions of lands to the Spaniards to the injury 
of the Indians. To this end the selling and purchasing of lands for the future 
was expressly prohibited except by summoning (aon citacion) the officers of 
the courts (de los fiscales de los audiencias) ; and that the beneficieut inten- 
tions of the legislator might be the better fulfilled there were given by Charles 
V Phillip III and Phillip IV, as is seen in laws 16, 17, IS, and 19 del tit. XII 
Book 4. " de la Recopilacion de Indias " the most appropriate and suitable rules 
in respect to these matters, and to the end that the Indians might never be 
left without lands, nor illegally despoiled of them, or embarrassed in the free 
use and improvement of their possessions. In virtue of which and for the 
better and more exact observance of the laws mentioned, there was given by 
the Royal Audience of Mexico, and commanded to be observed whilst the Court 
of Madrid confirmed it, or determined upon something else, the following: — 

Instruction on the Sale and Alienation of Indian Lands. 

Mexico February 23rd. 1781. The general abuse having been learned in which 
there have lived and continue to live the nearest and remote Indian Pueblos 
which this government embraces, in the baleful alienation of their lands, lots 
and houses, as well of private acquisition, as of the community and division, 
contracting intolerable injuries, even the most unhappy — that of having 
novphere to live, nor of having left upon their grazing grounds (potreros) even 
that small advantage of spots or huts answering the preservation of human 
life; and having attended to this matter with due compassion, there have been 
taken the most appropriate steps issued generally (por punto general) in the 
above decrees of 20 July 78, and 23rd. December 1780, by myself and my 
predecessor His Excellency Bailio Frey Antonio Maria Bucareli, for the entire 
removal (exterminio) of this great and extended abuse (perjuicio) which the 
beforementioned provisions (determinaciones) have not been sufficient to cor- 
rect, as there have not ceased the complaints of the miserable Indians who feel 
the evils of loans, contracts and rents, and in the sales which they make 
whether voluntarily or compelled by necessity or compulsion, not only to one 
another, but to strangers, Spaniards, Mestizos, and other classes who live in 
their pueblos, by small quantities, without regard (calificacion) to the necessity 
and utility which is provided for in laws of the Recopilation of these Kingdoms 
and principally in Law 27, tit. I Book 6; and moreover without the previous 
license which is required in it, making them silly and private tools among 
themselves and often before the justices of the parishes (justicias de partidos) 
and notaries, as has been shown in some of the papers (expedientes) of this 
genex'al court, being to one another not only illegal but prohibited, at least 
without the intervention of the aforesaid solemnities and antecedent licenses; 
And whereas this disorder goes on from day to day increasing more and more, 
the fear is justified that by allowing it, the Indians will come to the most 
wretched state, as not to have a place in which to live, nor lands to cultivate, 
whereon to divert their leisure, and wherewith to be enabled to provide for 



CORKESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 505 

their maintenauce, church dues, (obveuciones) and taxes (cargas), leaving 
thereby unfulfilled and inaccessible the merciful royal intentions, carefully 
established and repeated for the preservation, increase and propagation of the 
Indians, all directed to their benefit, according to Laws 16, 17, and 18 Book 4 
Tit XII, in evasion whereof (en cuyo fraude) the Indians being counseled by 
the purchasers make them conceal its nature, taking the intervention (diversa) 
of mestizos, castizos, and other classes of persons to facilitate the sales, com- 
mitting thus the transgression which looks to the alienation of their poor goods, 
lots and huts, of which seeing themselves deprived, they abandon themselves to 
ease and a vagabond life to which they are naturally prone, and separated they 
leave their settlements, and going about fugitives and vagabonds, they defraud 
in great part the Royal Branch (of govt) of tributes, the diminution whereof 
has been often experienced in their new accounts and lists from these principal 
causes of flight and absence, there resulting another (evil) not less grave than 
a failure to comply with the precepts of the church, by not having a sure resi- 
dence and not knowing a fixed habitation (filigresia), living without subordina- 
tion to the justices and without subjection to the curates to which is added the 
consequent evil of associating with vicious people of distinct natures as 
molattoes (lobos) crossed breeds (coyotes) and such like whose malice and 
perversity easily carry away the Indians thro' their simplicity (rusticidad) and 
ignorance, inducing them to rob, murder, and perpetrate other crimes, which 
they commit within the settlements (poblaciones) and out of them, infesting 
the roads, sometimes with petty thieving, sometimes with excessive robberies; 
and being abandoned with the greatest freedom to the incorrigible vice of 
intoxication, which infuses into them greater licentiousness, and what is the 
most painful ("sensible") that with such abandonment the families of these 
unhappy people should be brought up without political and Christian culture 
and learning, depriving themselves of due instruction in necessary and liberal 
duties, which with facility and by their natural aptitude, and by the zeal and 
vigilant care with which in these times more than ever aid has been rendered 
to the youth of both sexes they might and can save themselves from the great 
wrongs which they suffer among themselves, and extend to the state with 
haughtiness, idleness and vice, whereas they should abound in all conven- 
iences in the permanent fixedness to their houses and towns, improving the 
time by personal labor in the cultivation of the fields, working in the mines, 
dedication to their duties and application to other arts, which their goo4 

c 
instruction as well as capa ity opens up to them (les franquea) ; and whereas 
as has been said, the common steps to remedy these evils have not sufficed to 
destroy the abuse and render assistance to this commendable people (nacion) 
It is commanded: That in no case, nor under any pretext may sales, loans, 
pawns, rents nor any other kind of alienation of Indian lands be executed, nor 
only such as have been laid off to them by communities for the laudable and 
charitable purpose of habitations benefit and cultivation; but likewise those 
which they have acquired or may acquire by individual proper (propios) by 
title of inheritance, donation, or other kind of acquisition from their fore- 
fathers, such prohibition being understood as referring not only to the Indians 
among themselves; but especially to the Spaniards, mestizos, mulattoes and 
all the classes and families residing in the Indian pueblos, hacenderos, rancheros 
and all others who may have city or country mortgages in their settlements, 
except, in order to effect the sales, rents or other kind of alienation, license 
be obtained from my superior government, the general court of natives or 
Royal Audience, having certified (calificada) the necessity and utility, and fol- 
lowed all the steps (tramites) required by the laws, with the antecedent Court 



506 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

of the Hon. Attorney-general (Sn. Fiscal) ; and whereas, having interpreted 
or incorrectly understood law 27, tit I. Book 6, the Magistrates (justicias) of 
the divisions which this goverumeent comprehend, do proceed to grant instru- 
ments of sale and rent without the aforesaid formalities, and the notaries, 
not only of said divisions (partidos) but even those of this court, do execute 
the same, both the one and the other are prohibited in future from proceeding 
lo grant such instruments of sale and rent without the aforesaid licenses, 
under a penalty of five hundred dollars and loss of their offices, and the can- 
celling of those that they may grant, the purchasers or renters, at once, losing 
the value of the sales, and rents of the lands under the proper dominion of the 
Indians, and those of the ^equitable benefit (beueficio equitativo), as are those 
of the (repartimientos) in which the said natives have no direct authority, and 
the sellers, renters and (pignorantes) and the purchasers, lessees 

and (pignoratorios) are condemned shall be condemned to lose the 

lands and, & they shall be applied to others who need them, and will preserve 
and use them. 

And that all concerned may observe and fulfill the contents of this law 
{determinacion) proof of it shall be despatched by chains of courriers (por 
Cordilleras) to all the justices of the government, in order that, as soon as 
they receive it. they may cause it to be published by law (bando) in the 
Spanish language, and in the vernacular of the natives of the tribunal (juzgado), 
in order that the express may proceed on (para que siga la cordillera) and 
that each one of the chief alcaldes may repeat the publication on its arrival 
(en su ingreso). 

And whereas the s.ime abuse has been observed even within this capital, 
the same law 

tt is likewise ordered to be published in the (parciali- 

dades) of Son Juan and Santiago, placing in the public offices of 

the province and city similar testimony, in order that the resi^ective notaries, 
and all royal ones (notarus) may know the prohibitions and penalties which it 
Imposes upon them for its observance, addressed to the correction of such great 
evils; and for the purpose of eradicating them in every possible manner, it is 
commanded that, with the evidence of the present and antecedent resolutions a 
statement shall be given to His Majesty, in order that it might merit his royal 
approbation, or that his sovereign justice (justiflcacion) would condescend to 
apply the wisest and most suitable measures, that might be thought applicable 
to such important ends. 
Martin de Mayorga — 
Diego Antonio Fernandez Madrid. 

"According to the copy of the above (superios) decree to which it refers, 
and there is in the budget of documents of this chief office at my charge to 
which I refer, from whence in fulfillment of the superior decree of 24th. ult". 
provided on the dispatch of nullity (espediante de nulidad) of the sale of 
the rancho of Fifia Blanca, which the natives of the pueblo of Cochiti made 
that is sent to the Royal Audience of Guadalnjasa, there to operate in the 
superior tribunal I caused to be drawn and did draw the present in Mexico 
2nd. Nov'' : 1816 Francisco Arteaga " * 

"A copy, which this royal Audience commanded to be printed, in order that 
It may be circulated, published and observed in all the pueblos of the district. 
Guadalajasa. April 19th. 1S17. Rafeal Cuentes." 

* I. e., The proceeds of such lands as are cultivated on shares to be equitably distrib- 
uted — Alvarez. 

* Translated by Mr. Alvarez ; but I cannot see any sense in it — Th. E Massie — 



COERESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 507 

This chapter is concluded by placing in continuation the law 27 tit VI Book 1. 
de la Recopilacion de Indias, the understanding whereof is fixed hy the before- 
inserted instruction ; and the tenor whereof is as follows : — 
King Phillip II in Aranjuez 24 May 1571. 

It is commanded that the Indians shall have power to sell their lands by the 
authority of the justice. 

"When the Indians would sell them landed and personal property, let 

them bring, 
T-—^ — l.:m:;;I:t by the crier, into the public auction, in presence of the justice, 
their real estate for the space of thirty days, and the personal property for 
nine days; and whatever may be sold in a different manner shall be of no 
value nor effect; and, if it should appear to the judge for just cause, proper to 
shorten the term as regards personal property, he shall have power to do so. 
And whereas the goods which the Indians ordinarily sell are of little value, and 
if in al! the sales, they had to take the preceding steps it would cost them as 
much as the principal is worth; Therefore we ordain that this law shall be 
observed and executed in whatever exceeds thirty dollars of common gold and 
of no less quantity ; In this case it will be sufficient for the Indian seller to 
appear before some ordinary Judge to ask iiermission to make the sale; and it 
being made evident by some proof that what he wishes to sell is his own, and 
that to sell it would not be to his prejudice, he may give him permission, 
putting his authority in the writing which the purchaser may give, that he is 
of age and competent." 

[CALHOUN TO SUMNER.'] 

Copy. 

Executive Department 
Santa Fe, N. M. March 27th 1852. 
Sir 

Your note of the 21st inst informing me that Col. H. Brooks has 
been ordered to issue one hundred stands of arms and ammunition, 
upon my application for the same, came duly to hand, and I have 
this day accepted your offer, and issued a requisition upon Col. 
Brooks for said arms and ammunition to be delivered at the town of 
San Antonio, to the care of Estanislas Montoya. 
Very respectfully 

Your obedient Servt. 

By order of H, E. J. S. Calhoun 
D. V. Whiting 



S. E. D. 



Col. E. V. Sumner 

Command. Deft. 

Albuquerque.,- 

N.M. 



B. I. A., M. L., March, 1852. 



508 CORKESPONDENCE OE JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

[CALHOUN TO BROOKS.'] 

Copy. 

Executive Departmejst 
Santa Fe, N. M. March 'B7/52. 
Sir 

I have been advised by the Commanding Officer of the 9th Military 
Department, that you have been directed to issue one hundred stands 
of arms upon my application for the same. You are therefore re- 
quested, by virtue of said order, to have the said arms and anmiuni- 
tion delivered at the town of San Antonio, betv^^een Valverde and 
Socorro, to the care of Estanislas Montoya, as early as convenient. 
Very respectfully 

Your obdt. Servt. 

By order of H. E. J. S. Calhoun 

D. V. Whiting, S. E. D. 
Col H. Brooks 

Coming Post 

Santa Fe N. M. 

[BROOKS TO CALHOUN.*] 

Copy. 

Santa Fe N. M. March ^7, 5^. 
His Excellency J. S. Calhoun 

Gov. Terry of New Mexico 
Sir, 

Permit me to state, that the instructions, which I have received 
from the colonel commanding this Department, do not require me 
to send arms and ammunitions, to the care of Estanislas Montoya, at 
San Antonio New Mexico. 

I am Sir, very respectfully 

Your obedient Servant 

Horace Brooks 

Brt. Lt. Col. 

IB. I. A., M. L., March, 1852. 
^ Ibid. 



COERESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 509 

[CALHOUN TO BROOKS.'] 
Copy. 

Executive Department 
Santa Fe, N. M. March 28, 1852. 
.Sir 

Will you do me the favor, to state to me at what point the arms 
and ammunition, which I have authorized to make a requisition upon 
you for, will be delivered to me ? and at what time ? 
I have the honor to be very respectfully 
Your obdt. Servt. 

J. S. Calhoun. 
\A. Col. H. Brooks 

Gomdg Post 

Santa Fe. N. M. 

[CALHOUN TO SUMNER.=] 

Copy. 

Executive Department 
Santa Fe, N. M. March 28, 1862 
Sir 

I have the honor to enclose to you a copy of a letter of this date 
from Col. Brooks, refusing to comply with my requisition for one 
hundred stands of arms et cet. on your authority to be delivered at 
San Antonio. 

I have the honor to be very respectfully, 

J. S. Calhoun 
Bvt Col. E. V. Sumner 
Comdg 9th Milit. Dept 

Albuquerque N. M. 

[Inclosure.] 

VERBAL STATEMENT OF COL. BROOKS. 

Col. Brooks states, that he had no flint muskets, such as he was 
required to issue, but that he has between 94 and 100 carbines, he will 
examine the store personally tomorrow and see if there are any cart- 
ridges, he is required to issue 100, and the carbines would be of no 
use without cartridges. He could not afford transportation even 
were he ordered so to do, as he has not teams sufficient to supply the 
post with wood and forage. 

The above information was given by Col. Brooks in my presence, 
to Gov. Calhoun on Sunday March 28th 1852 at half past 2 o'clock. 
P. M. 

D. V. Whiting. 

»B. L A., M. L., March, 1852. 
2 Ibid. 



510 CORRESPONDENCE OE JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

[SUMNER TO CALHOUN.'] 

Head Qurs: 9 Dept. 
Near Albuquerque, N. M. 

March 30, 1862. 
Governor, 

I have received your letter of the 27th inst. I did not expect to 
deliver the arms at San Antonio, but directed Lt: Col: Brooks to 
turn them over to you, if you wanted them. I understood Mr Mer- 
rit to say, that the people below had said to him, that they would pay 
the expense of getting them down. 

I enclose a copy of Capt: Ewell's report from which you will see 
how little dei^endence we can place upon these flying rumors. 
With high respect 

Your ob't: Servt: 

(Sgd) E. V. Sumner, 

BvH. Col. Lt. Col. 1 Dgs 

Comdg. Dept. 
His Exc'y. J. S. Calhoun 

[CALHOUN TO WEBSTER.'] 

Executive Department 

Santa Fe New JMexico 

March 31, 1862. 

Sir 

I have the honor to enclose to you copies of a correspondence be- 
tween Col E. y. Sumner Commdg 9th Military Department and 
myself, and also a statement and refusal of Col Brooks, in reference 
to 100 stands of arms &c. which I submit for your consideration 
without further comments. 
Very Respectfully 

Your Obedient Servant 

James S. Calhoun 
by David V. Whiting 

S. E. D. 
Hon Daniel AVebster 

Secretary of State 

Washington City 
D. C. 

1 A. G. O., Department of New Mexico, vol. 8, p. 193 ; O. I. A., New Mexico Supy., N. 44. 
"B. 1. A., M. L., 1852. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 51 i 

[CALHOUN TO LEA/] 

Executive Department 

Santa Fe New Mexico 

March 31, 1852. 
Sir 

I have the honor to inform you that I have this day approved the 
following drafts drawn on you, at sight, by the several Indian Agents, 
viz 

John Greiner Esq iu favor of Joseph D. Ellis for $280 09 

Maj Gen S M Baird " " " " " " " 380 5(i 

Chas Overman Esq " " " " " " " 211 21 

Which amounts close their respective quarterly accounts as may be 
seen by their Abstracts and Accounts Current for the quarter ending 
March 31, 1852 

Very Respectfully 

Your Obedt Servant 

James S Calhoun 
by David V. Whiting 
Hon L. Lea 

Commr of Ind Ajfs 

Washington City 
D.C. 

[CALHOUN TO LEA.'] 

Executive Department 

Santa Fe' New Mexico 

March 31, 1852, 
Sib 

I have the honor to enclose to you the quarterly accounts of Maj. 
Genl S. M. Baird and Chas Overman Esq. These gentlemen were 
appointed by me as Special Agents, under your authority, the first 
for the Navajo and the second for the Southern Indians. Maj Genl 
Bairds services have had a very beneficial effect in preventing 
Mexicans and others from trading with the Navajo Indians without 
license and also in adjusting difficulties among the Pueblos. In his 
reports to this Department he has made many valuable suggestions, 
which, for want of time I do not lay before the Department, but by 
the first convenient opportunity I shall have the honor of so doing 
and hope the Department will provide the means of adopting and 
carrying his suggestions into effect. Owing to the dangers incurred 
in travelling Mr. Overman has not as yet been able to accomplish 
much, but I sincerely hope that the time is not far distant when he 
will be enabled to announce that the Indians in that region have 

^ O. I. A., New Mexico Supy., N 37. ^ Ibid., N 39. 



512 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

become pacified and friendly towards the inhabitants of this Terri- 
tory 

Very Eespectfiilly 

Your Obedt Servt 

James S Calhoun 
pr David V Whiting 
Hon L. Lea 

Commr &c. 

Washington City 

[CALHOUN TO LEA/] 

Executive Department 

Santa Fe' New Mexico 

March 31st 1852 
Sir 

I have this day drawn on you at sight in favor of Manuel Alva- 
rez Esq. for One thousand thirty seven ^^^^^ Dollars, on account of 
disbursements for the quarter ending this day, as you will perceive 
by referring to my Abstract and account current which I forward by 
this mail. 

Very Respectfully 

Your Obedient Servant 

J. S. Calhoun 
Supt. Ind. Ajfs. 
Hon L. Lea 

Commr. of Ind. Affairs 

Washington City, 
D. C. 

[CALHOUN TO LEA,'] 

Executive Department 

Santa Fe New Mexico 

March SI, 1852. 
Sm 

I have this day drawn on you, at sight in favor of Joseph D. 
Ellis Esq for One Thousand Dollars on account of disbursements for 
the quarter ending this day, as you will perceive by referring to ray 
Abstract and account current which I forward by this mail. 
Very ResjDect fully 

Your Obedient Servant 

J. S. Calhoun 
t 
Superint Ind. Affairs 
Hon. L. Lea 

Comm'' of Ind. Affs 

Washington City 

B.C. 



O. I. A., New Mexico Supy., N 41. =" Ibid., S 93. 



COEKESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 513 

[CALHOUN TO LEA/] 

Executive Department 

Santa Fe' Neav Mexico 

March SI, 1851. 
Sir 

Your favor of January 16th acknowledging the receipt of Agent 
Greiners report, and yours of the 31st January advising me of the 
appointment of Spence M. Baird as Agent for the Indians of New 
Mexico and requiring him to report to this Department and file his 
bond have been received. 

I take great pleasure in informing you that Genl Baird has ac- 
cepted the appointment and reported himself to this Department, 
he has also filed his bond with me, which I herewith enclose, in com- 
pliance with your instructions 
Very Respectfully 

Your Obedt Servt 



Hon L Lea 

Commr of Ind A-ffs 

Washington City 
D.G. 



James S Calhoun 
By David V Whiting 



[CALHOUN TO LEA.*] 

Executive Department 
Santa Fe' New Mexico 

March 31, 1862. 
Sm 

I herewith have the honor to transmit to you my accounts for the 
quarter ending March 31, 1852. To close my accounts for current 
expenses during the quarter ending to day I have drawn on you in 
favor of Jos D. Ellis for $1,000 and Manuel Alvarez for $1037.36, 
which drafts I trust will be duly honored. 

I am just recovering from a severe attack of the scurvy^ which 
came near laying me in my grave. I am so extremely weak and 
prostrated that I was compelled to authorize the writer of this to 
sign all my accounts for me. I have the honor of enclosing a certifi- 
cate duly signed and subscribed showing his authority so to do in 
order that no difficulty may arise, in this respect, in adjusting my 



iQ. I. A., New Mexico Supy., N 35. 
2 Ibid., N 37. 

» Various War Department letters show that scurvy was extremely bad among the troops 
in New Mexico. 

5021—15 33 



514 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

accounts; had I not followed this course it would have been utterly 
impossible for me to have forwarded my accounts. 
Very Respectfully 

Your Obedt Servt 

James S. Calhoun 
pr David V. Whiting 
Hon L. Lea 

Comm/ of Ind Ajfs 

Washington City 

D.C. 

[CALHOUN TO LEA.] 

Executive Department 
Santa Fe New Mexico 

Apnl 1st 1852. 
Sir 

I have this day approved a draft in favor of Thomas D Russell Esq 
drawn by Col A R. Woolley at ninety days for 387 ^Vioo Dollars, 
being for this quarters salary due June 30th 1852. 
Very Respectfully 

Your Obedient Servant 

J. S. Calhoun 

Swpt. Ind. Affs. 
Hon Luke Lea 

CorrmV of Ind Affs 

W ashington City 

D. C. 

[CALHOUN TO LEA.^] 

Executive Department 

Santa Fe New Mexico 

ApHl 6th 1852. 
Sm 

I have the honor to enclose to you a letter received from Col Sum- 
ner in reference to furnishing arms for the protection of the inhabi- 
tants of the Territory against the wild Indians. I need make no com- 
ments in reference to said letter as it is sufficiently clear to explain 
itself. 

Our Territory is in a more critical condition than it has ever been 
before, a combination of the wild Indians who surround us is threat- 
ened and I am not very far wrong when I assert that after the first 
of May or June the road to the States will become so infested with 
Indians that it will be unsafe to travel except with large and well 
provided escorts. I further assert that the lives of the citizens of the 



O. I. A.. New Mexico Supy., N 44. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 515 

Territory are in eminent danger if Col Simmer insists in carrying 
out his views to withdraw his main force from the settlements for 
the purpose of making a campaign in person to the Apache Country, 
and should he not be able to chastise the Indians at once, that he will 
remain there during the winter. Seeing that all available military 
force is drawn off from the country, a more favorable opportunity 
could not present itself. Such have been my apprehensions and being 
corroborated and increased by reports which come daily to our ears 
from the most reliable sources that I have deemed it advisable for 
every American female to leave the country with as little delay as 
possible, while on the contrary were the country in a quiet state I 
would urge every married man who intends remaining here for any 
length of time, to bring his family with him. 

If the Government of the United States intends doing any thing 
for our protection for Heavens sake let us know it or give us an op- 
portunity for each one to look out for himself and allow us an oppor- 
tunity to leave as soon as possible. 

Although I have been lying at the point of death and forbidden 
by my physicians to attend to my public duties and even now have 
to be propped up in my bed in order to sign my name, I have re- 
quested the writer of this to give you the facts so that if the Govern- 
ment is going to afford us any assistance they may do so at once, as 
every moments delay brings us nearer to destruction and all assistance 
may arrive too late to be of any avail. 

It has been utterly impossible for me to discharge the duties of 
Superintendent, and Mr Greiner has been detailed to perform the 
duties of the office during my sickness. 

I pray you give the enclosed letter and information its proper 
course, so that if any action i? to be taken by the proper authorities 
it may be done immediately 
Very Respectfully 

Your Obedt Servt 

James S Calhoun 
by DAvro V Whiting 

Hon L. Lea 

Commr of Ind Afls 
Washington City 
DC. 



516 COBBESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

[Related Correspondence.] 

[SUMNER TO CONRAD.^] 

Head Quarters, 9ti£ Depi': 

Near Albuquerque N. M. 

March 27th 1852 
The Hon C. M. Conrad 

Secretary of War 
Sib, 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 4th of Feb- 
ruary 1852, covering a copy of your letter to the Texas delegation and the 
remonstrance of the people of El Paso, against the removal of the troops from 
that vicinity. I feel much gratified sir, at the action you have thought proper 
to take in this matter, it is undoubtedly true that the people of the town re- 
quire less protection, than the people of the country indeed it is not too much to 
Bay, that if these Mexicans when banded together in large numbers, have not 
the manliness to defend themselves fi'om small parties of roving Indians, they 
deserve to suffer. It is not generally their fear so much as their cupidity, 
that makes them desire to have troops stationed among them, they want the 
government money. We were paying nbout $4000 a year rent at the post 
opposite El Paso, and Mr Hart, who has made himself so conspicuous in this 
afifair was the flour contractor at 12 1/2 cents per pound. It is not unreason- 
able to suppose that the removal of the troops interfered very much with his 
Interests and expectations. I am convinced that the only way to subdue In- 
dians effectually aud permanently, is to improve their condition, and the best 
way to do this, is to establish posts in the heart of their country, where we 
can bring them about us, and instruct them in agriculture and other useful 
arts. The Navajoes continue perfectly quiet and have commenced planting ex- 
tensively this spring. I have directed that various seeds be given to them, 
and that they be instructed how to raise them. It is too much, however, to 
expect that an entire stop, can be put at once, to all Indian depredations. They 
are educated to believe that the stealing of horses, is an act of prowess, and 
a few young men may occasionnlly band together for this purpose, but this 
propensity will soon wear out. 
I am Sir 

With high respect 

Your ob't Servant, 

E V Sumner 
livt: Col: Lt: Col: 

1st Drags 
Comdg: Dept: 



[ SUMNER TO MORRIS.^] 



Head Qurs 9th DePt. 
Near Albuquerque N. M. 

Aprd 1, 1852. 
Major, 

I have received your letter of March 16th, and I appreciate your zeal, and 
thank you for it. Under existing circumstances, I cannot spare troops to make 



lA. G. O.. Department of New Mexico, vol. 8, pp. 186-187. 
»A. G. O., Old Book, No. 5A. 



COKEESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 5l7 

another scout immediately against the Gila Apaches, and I do not think It 
advisable to employ volunteers. If with the means you have, you can make 
Any movements that you think would be prudent and beneficial, I wish you to 
do so, but this is a matter I must leave entirely to your own judgement. It Is 
a very great object to get into communication with those Indians, and, in some 
way, to induce them to surrender to you the White Men that are among them. 
These villains are at the bottom of all the mischief. I am informed that 
Mangas Colerado the principal Chief, desires to make peace, and disdains the 
acts of the hostile band. Perhaps if you could induce him to come in, you 
might through him, get into communication with the others. You know this 
thing commenced by the unprovoked murder of two Apaches at San Antonio 
last fall. The Indians came in and demanded that the murderer should be 
confined for trial, this was done, but as soon as the Indians were gone, the 
villain was released, and when the Indians heard of it they became furious. 

The Navajos continue perfectly quiet, and are planting extensively this 
Spring — Maj Backus keeps up a constant intercourse with the principal men, 
and through them he manages the whole tribe — I have no doubt but you will 
have the same influence over the Apaches, after you once get your hand 
upon them — 

I am obliged to go into the Utah Country this Spring to establish a post. 
When I return I intend to go to Fort Defiance and Fort Webster — I wish 
to know your opinion about your having another Infantry Company, in the 
place of the Company of horse, for I understand that it will be difficult and 
expensive to subsist horse at your post — I could give you 20 horses for 
detached service, escort duty and the like — Uet me hear from you on this 
subject by the first opportunity. 
Very respectfully 

Major Your ob't : Serv't 

Sgd E V Sumner 

Bvt: Col: Lt: Col. 
J St Dg's Comd'g: Dept. 
Major G. Morris. 

Comd'g: 

Fnrt Webster 

[CALHOUN TO SUMNER.'] 

Copy. 

Executive Department 
Santa Fe, New Mexico April 7 1862. 
Sir 

Having learned that you contemplate an Expedition against the 
Southern Apaches at an early period, and that you intend to take 
the field in person with a strong force, thereby weakening the Mili- 
tary posts, in the more settled parts of the TeiTitory, I have deemed 
it advisable to inform you respectfully that facts have lately come 
under my observation that induces me to believe, that plans are afoot 
to unite the several tribes of Wild Indians, by whom we are sur- 
rounded against this Government. 

1 A. G. O., Piles, S 202 of 1852, No. 1. 



518 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

P'rom various quarters reports have reached here — all tending to 
confirm the statement. 

Should the troops be withdrawn to the more distant parts of the 
Territory, serious apprehensions must be felt, and fears will be enter- 
tained as to the result, should difficulties of the kind occur. An agent 
whom I have had travelling for the last two or three months among 
the tribes East and South East of this place and who is in the confi- 
dence of these Indians, and who understands and speaks their lan- 
guage, has just returned from their Country, and were his statements 
to be made public it would greatly alarm our Citizens. I assure you 
Colonel that it is not my desire, nor purpose to interfere with duties 
exclusively yours, in my public position. — but only desire as far as 
in my power to contribute to the public safety, for I am perfectly 
assured that troubles are thickening around us, that you and you 
only can disperse. 

You have done much in establishing Fort Defiance in the Navajo 
Country for the safety of our Citizens and when the post in the 
Eutaw Country is formed, it will still add to our security, by thwart- 
ing the purposes of the Wild Indians, and all who are interested in 
urging them on. By selecting a Central position, where your animals 
could be recruited and be ready to move at a moments notice, and 
where facts could be obtained more readily — necessary to the peace 
of the Territory and where you could be put in direct communica- 
tion with the principal Pueblos — you would in my humble opinion 
do more to protect the lives and property of our people at this time 
than by heading an expedition to the Apache Country. 

So fearful and perilous do I deem the Crisis, that I have sent 
runners into the Navajo Country to induce three of the principal 
Chiefs to meet me here, and to-morrow I intend to send to the Eutaw 
Country for some of the Captains of that tribe to hold a consultation 
and to learn whether they themselves are reliable and to counteract 
any mischievous designs that may have been devised against the resi- 
dents of this Territory. 

You are perhaps advised of my weak, feeble, and almost hopeless 
condition — and I feel that I am speaking almost as a dying man. — 
yet I feel desirous of doing all in my power to promote the public 
weal. 

But for my utter inability, I should mount my horse and visit you 
at your quarters. For the last four weeks I have been unable to stand 
alone without assistance, and for the same period have been con- 
stantly confined to my bed. I beg to assure you that I appreciate the 
absolute & unqualified necessity of making a demonstration against 
the Apaches, and signal chastisement should be visit<5d upon them, 
but I am under the impression that it is more important at present to 
look to the well being, and safety of oui' Citizens 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 519 

Praying to be allowed to assure you again, that it is scarcely my 
privilege to speak to you of the defenses of this Territory, and that 
I know it to be your duty, and your duty alone, and after asking to 
be pardoned for this gratuitous communication, I have the 
honor to be 

Your obedient servant, 

(Sgd) J. S. Calhoun. 

Bvt. Col : E V Sumner 

Col: Com Dept New Mexico 

P. S. Having been appointed acting Superintendent of Indian 
Affairs during the illness of Gov Calhoun I would respectfully add 
my testimony — from the facts gathered from reliable sources that 
there is every reason to fear the apprehensions expressed by him in 
this letter are well founded 



Very Kespectfully 

Your obt : Svt. 



(Sgd) John Greiner, 



Head Qurs : 9 Mil : Dept. 

Near Albuquerque N M. 
April 9th 1852 

A true Copy 

J. C. MgFerran 
1st Lt 3d Inf 
A. A. A. G. 

[Related Correspondence.] 

[oREINER to SUMNER.^] 

Private 

Santa Fe Apnl 4 1%52 
My Dear Gen'l 

An Indian from Cochito Pueblo whose name is Juan Antonio Baca has been 
traveling among the several Pueblos in the Rio Arriba, and is now in the Rio 
Ajujo He needs watching closely — there is some devilment afoot — In what 
shape I dont know. 

I wish you would 'ferret ' out his business and what he is after. 

By interrogating some of our friendly Indians you may discover the object. 

I suggested this matter to Mr Keithley just as he was leaving — but thought 
there was but little reality in it Circumstances since has confirmed the sus- 
picions — and the Agents are the proper persons to \earn the truth of the rumors. 

Don Carlos a reliable Indian from Tesuque has just come in from the Coman- 
che Country — and he is evidently impressed with the fact that there is a 
' League ' being entered into between the Comanches & Mexicans to attack New 

& Mexicans 
Mexico— and to unite all the Wild tribes against the Americans. 

1 O. I. A., New Mexico Letter Tress Book, vol. I, p .6.S. 



520 CORKESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

The President of Mexico has sent for one of the Chiefs of the Comanches who 
has a " Document " from the Prist inviting them all to join the Mexicans. 

Be on the alert. Get all the information you can in regard to the matter — 
and please drop me a line. 

Yours &c J. Greineb 

P S. The Governors health is improving — to day. 

You will please keep us regularly advised of every thing going on — The Gov- 
ernor wishes 1o see " Hosta " and the Navajo Chiefs sent for must be treated 
with the utmost kindness while under your care. 

Should any " contingencies " arise making it necssary to make a few presents 
the ' vouchers ' will be cheerfully approved by the Governor. 
Respectfully 

Yours J. Greineb 

[greiner to baird ? ^] 

Confidential) 

Santa Fe April 1-1852. 
Deab General 

Fearing that a letter from the Governor written last night to Albuquerque 
may not have reached you I write by Mr. Bray to you at Jemes so that there 
can be no mistake in a letter reaching you. 

The importance of every agent being at his Post at the present time must be 
paramount to every other consideration 

Should any "accidental circumstances" occur in any of our Indian relations 
the blame must not be at our doors. The responsibility must rest where It 

to shew 
belongs and we must be careful — let what will happen that whatever 

danger may threaten our Citizens that every precaution was taken to avoid 
it by the Indian Department. 

You must see & judge for yourself if there is anything brewing among the 
Pueblos — at the same time care must be taken that you shew them every confi- 
dence is placed in them by you. 

Talk around among the wild Indians and judge for yourself if there is any 
" diplomacy " carried on between them & other tribes. But say nothing — do 
nothing — to excite suspicion in the breast of any one — 

Much depends on keeping evei*y thing dark 

The Governor's health is imi)roving vei-y slowly 
Yours truly 

John Greiner Act Supt Ind Af. 

[SUMNER TO CALHOUN.'] 

Copy, 

Head Qrs 9th Dept 

Near Albuquerque N M. 

April 8/52. 
Governor 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated 
yesterday. — I am much surprised at the information you have just 

1 0. I. A., New Mexico Letter Press Book, vol, I, p. 84. 
2 A. G. O., Piles, S 202 of 1852, No. 3. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 521 

received about the Indians, and I can not think that we should give 
full credence to it. — Nevertheless, I shall postpone my contemplated 
movement against the Apaches, and shall quietly, but promptly, make 
such arrangements, that I can rapidly concentrate a sufficient force 
for any emergency. — -This will not interfere with the establishment 
of the post in the Utah Country, nor will it prevent the movements 
against the Apaches. — 

I shall send two small columns against that band, one to the Gila 
Country, and one to the "VVliite Mountains — I can safely do this, and 
leave myself sufficient troops for any exigency. — 

I regret very much to hear of your extreme illness, and I would 
respectfully suggest, whether you ought not to dismiss all care about 
these public matters until you are better. — Rest assured, Sir. that I 
will take such measures, that whoever expects to find me unprepared, 
will find himself mistaken. — ^ 
Hoping to hear that you are better. — 
I am Sir 

With high respect 

Your obt Servt 

E V Sumner 
Bvt Col USA 

Oomg Dept 
His Excy 

J S Calhoun 

true copy 

E V Sumner 

Brf Col 

[Related Correspondence.] 

[SUMNER TO JONES.] 

Hd Qrs 9th Dept • 
NEAR Albuquerque N M 

April 91 h 52.— 
General 

On the 6tli inst the Attorney General uf this Territury. Mr Johnson, came 
down from Santa Fe and informed me that Govr Calhoun was at the iwint of 
death, and that the Secretary Mr Allen had determined to go to the States in 
a few days, and that the civil government would be left without n head. — 
He stated to me that it was the opinion of Judge Mower, and decidedly his own, 
that the government should devolve upon me. — On the following morning I 
handed him my written decision, a copy of which is inclosed. — Yesterday I 
received a letter from Govr Calhoun, which I also inclose, together with my 
reply. I do not think there is ground for so much alarm. — The report is, that 



See Letter of Sumner, April 9, 1852. 



522 CORKESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

ageuts of the Mexictm goveruuient have been tamperiug with the Indians, to 
induce them to form an extensive coalition against us, both here and in Texas. — 
It seems to me impossible that that government would thus throw away all 
claim for indemnity, for if there is a shadow of truth in this report, I presume 
it would speedily settle that question. — In addition to this report, there are 
constant rumors of disaffection in the Mexican population, until any one not 
conversant with affairs here, would suppose that we were on the eve of a rebel- 
lion. — The Governor and I, although differing on many points, have agreed 
upon this, that there is nothing whatever to apprehend from the Mexicans if 
they are treated justly and properly — As a proof that we are right, several of 
the principal and most influential Mexicans have sent large trains to the 
United States this spring for goods, while others are preparing to go to Cali- 
fornia intending to leave their families and property here. — I believe that most 
of these stories originate with some unprincipled Americans, or if they do not 
create them, they distort and exaggerate them for the purpose of keeping up 
this excitement. — It is my deliberate opinion that there are some men in this 
Territory who would stick at nothing to increase the expenditures of the 
government. All this would be of no consequence, except that such reports 
sometimes have a tendency to verify themselves, by creating distrust, and serv- 
ing to alienate the different classes from each other. — If from this cause, or 
any other, a difficulty should arise with the Mexicans, (luring an interregnum in 
the office of Governor, I should be compelled to assume the function of that 
office, for it would then be indispensably necessary, that all the powers of 
the general government in this territory, should be put in vigorous execution. 
I have no desire to do this, and shall never resort to it, but from a sense of 
imperative necessity. I would resiiectfully ask the views of the government 
under such a contingency. — 
Very respectfully 

Your obt Servt 

E V Sumner 
Bvt Col Lt Col 1 Orgs 

Comg Dept 
Majr Gen R. Jones 

Adjt Genrl 

[in CLOSURE.^] 

Copy. 

In the event of an Interregnum in the office of Governor in this territory, I 
am fully aware that the people and government of the United States, would 
justly hold me accountable for the preservation of law and orders — At the 
same time, it is so entirely inconsistent with all the institutions of our country, 
for a military man to assume the functions of a Governor, that I should decline 
to do it, not to shun responsibility, but from a sense that it would not be right. 

Can these two positions be made to harmonize — I think so. 

If the two highest civil officers (Judges Mower and Watts) will decide 
between themselves which shall take precedence, I will recognize and support 
the superior at; acting Governor. — If they cannot do this, I will protect the 
interregnum, in other words, I will protect all the civil officers in the perform- 
ance of their several duties, they being responsible to the authority from which 



A. (}. O.. Files, S 202 of 1852, No. 2 ; O. I. A., Miscellaneous Files, April, 1852. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 523 

they derived their powers. — The office of Governor to remain vacant, until 
orders are received from the general government. 

E V Sumner 
Bvt Col V 8 A 



Comg Dept 



Hi) Qrs 9th Dept 

Near Albuquerque N M 

April 7th 



true copy 

E V Sumner 

Bvt Col 

[CALHOUN TO DAWSON.'] 

Received b}" Telegraph from Independence Mo 8th from Executive 
Department Santa Fe New Mexico April 12th 3 o'clock A. M. 

To Hon W C Daavson U S Senator 

Washington City. 

Continuing to improve — -Immediately after closing my last Tele- 
graphic Dispatch Revolutionary reports came rapidly upon us after 
twelve oclock at night while I firmly believe that evil disposed per- 
sons are hoping now to accomplish their fiendish purposes of Revolu- 
tion which they have been attempting for more than twelve months 
past. 

We are not able to fight against the infamous Combination that 
has been so long & so stealthily at work to bathe this Territory in 
blood. I have no means am without arms & a hopeless task & with- 
out these afforded to me the end is not yet. It is proper however to 
remark that Col Sumner I think is about to adopt a course that may 
prevent for a time the dreadful horrors of a civil war. Col Brooks 
Commanding this post has within the last day & night accomplished 
more for the protection of this City than it was supposed to be pos- 
sible for any ese man to have done in the same length of time & 
this entitles him to the Plaudit of gyea* "Well done good & faith- 
ful Servant " The coming in of rumors has not ee*se abated. I 
vouch for nothing but for the angry condition of the elements in this 
territory and cannot & do not believe that it is a contest between races 
but give me the power & with the proper energy strength which God 
only can give & I will strip this thing of all its mystery This is 
but the second chapter of a book of 1851. 

This despatch is not for publication it is for information from a 
man who has narrowly escaped from the grave & at this hour is obliged 
to employ an amanuensis to record what he now wishes to state to 

> 0. I. A., Miscellaneous Piles, April, 1852. 



524 CORKESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

you I can only sign my name by being propped up. Of course I 
expect the President & others inclu- Weightman & such individuals 
as you may deem it advisable to exhibit this despatch to have an 
opportunity of reading it. 

I am your friend & Servant 



J S Calhoun 



I CALHOUN TO SUMNEB. 

Copy. 



Executive Department, 

Santa Fe', New Mexico 

April m,h 1852. 
Colonel 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 
8th inst which was handed to me on the 10th by Col. Brooks. 

From information which has reached me from various quarters I 
am satisfied that there is a rebellious feeling among the people, and 
that they now only await a favorable opportunity to attempt carrying 
their treasonable purposes into effect. Under this conviction it 
afforded me great relief to learn that you have postponed your con- 
templated movement against the Apaches, and that you will promptly 
make such arrangements as will enable you rapidly to concentrate a 
sufficient force for a/iy emergency. In a dispatch which I this day 
availed myself of an opportunity of sending to the States I took 
occasion to refer in appropriate terms of approbation of your readi- 
ness and determination to meet " any exigency " which may arise, 
and at the same time, as a matter of justice to Col. Brooks I ex- 
pressed my admiration of the astonishing alacrity and skill with 
which he quietly put all his stores and ammunitions of war as well 
as the Palace in a complete state of defence. 

In doing this, the Colonel has without any expense and almost 
without observation performed a work which should have been com- 
pleted years since. Even if there should be no present difficulty the 
result of the Colonel's labors will be most happy in affording a rally- 
ing point to all good citizens, and restraining by its invulnerability 
any overt acts of the treasonable and vicious. 

If it can be made to harmonize with your policy, I would respect- 
fully suggest that an additional artillery force be for a time at least 
stationed at this place. — It is my impression that the better informed 
portion of the mexican population will not encourage any revolu- 
tionary movements but I fear, that there are some of this class who 
writhing under disappointments of cupidity and political ambition 
will not admonish their more benighted countrymen of what is for 



A. G. O., Files, S 217 of 1852, No. 1. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 525 

their true interest. From information on file in my department I 
think our most imminent danger is from the savages surrounding us 
and who are now being excited against us by emissaries and traitor- 
ous persons. So important has this danger become, that I feel it 
incumbent upon me, to give it my most unremitting attention. I 
pray you to accept of my most heartfelt thanks for your commisera- 
tion for my enfeebled state of health. It has pleased Divine Provi- 
dence to bring me through the crisis of my disease and place me in 
what according to my own opinion and that of my physicians is a 
state of rapid recovery. 

Hoping that you will make my family circle your home immedi- 
ately upon your arrival here 
I remain yours truly 

(signed) J. S. Calhoun 

Col. E. V. Sumner 

CoTnmdg 9th mil: Dept. 

near Albuquerque 
N. M. 
true copy 

E V Sumner 
Bvt GolU S A 

[Related Correspondence.] 

I SUMNER TO JONES. ^] 

Hd Qrs 9th Dept 

Santa Fe N M 

April 22 '52. 
General 

On the 14th inst I received at niy head quarters at Albuquerque the euclosed 
letter * from Governor Calhoun, No. 1, and immediately sent the reply ' annexed 
to it. — As the Governor was extremely ill and evidently very apprehensive of 
serious difflculty, I thought proper to come up here at once. — I saw no appear- 
ance of disaffection as I passed through the country, and I think if there is any 
thing in these rumors, it is confined to the lower classes, instigated, perhaps, by 
a few desperate, unprincipled, gamblers and speculators, who have every thing 
to gain and nothing to lose by fomenting commotions. — There are several 
desperadoes here who were conspicuous in the revolution of 1847. — These men 
will be closely watched. — On my arrival in this town I was surprised to find 
it in a state of anarchy. All prisoners had been released for want of means 
to subsist them, and all law seemed to be set at naught. — At the same time 
there was a constant dread of revolution, which kept up a feverish excitement, 
that was likely, every moment, to lead to some collision with the Mexicans. — 
I saw that it was indispensably necessary to take measures immediately, to 
suppress all this disorder, and I said to the Governor that if he thought proper 

1 a. G. O., Files, S 217 of 1852 ; Department of New Mexico, vol. 8, pp. 219-221. 
•See p. 524. 
•See p. 526. 



526 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

to ask for military aid, that I would give it at once. — He then sent me the 
enclosed letter/ No. 2, — my reply* is annexed to it. — I have established a mili- 
tary police to act in support of the civil authorities. — I mount a strong guard 
at the Governors house on the Plaza, and I have added to this garrison a large 
company of Infantry.— These measures I think will secure the quiet of this 
town. — The extreme illness of the Governor and the absence of the Secretary 
of the territory, have had some influence in producing this unsettled state of 
things, and it was evidently necessary to announce to the public that there 
would be no interregnum. — In a conversation with the Governor on this sub- 
ject, we determined to publish the enclosed paper. No. 3, which I think will 
effectually crush the hopes of all intriguers. — I am fully aware that I am 
placing myself in a most crticial position, but the path of duty seems to me 
plain, and I shal'l take the risk. — It will be observed that the safety of my 
own command, as well as the lives and property of the American citizens, de- 
pends upon my action at this crisis. — My command is very much dispersed, at 
distant posts in the Indian country, and I cannot, without endangering those 
posts, concentrate more than seven companies. — This would be a small force 
if there should be a general outbreak of this people, and even in that event, I 
could not abandon my posts in the indian country, for they hold the Indians in 
check, and if that check were removed we should have both Indians and Mexi- 
cans upon us. — Although I think that affairs here are assuming a threatening 
aspect, I do not think that the danger is so imminent that I should be justified 
in asking for a reenforcement. — I wish to convey to the Secretary of War and 
General in Chief an exact knowledge of the state of things in this territory, and 
leave the question for them to decide, whether or not, it is advisable to increase 
the force. — If any regiment is sent out, I should be very glad if it should 
happen to be the 4th Infantry. — Any troops that come, will have to bring one 
years supplies, as all my calculations and estimates have been made for my 
present command. 
I am Sir 

very respectfully 

Your obt Servt 

E V Sumner 
Bvt Col Lt Col 1st Orgs 

Comg Dept 
■ Maj Gen K Jones 
Adjt Oenrl 

[SUMNER TO CALHOUN.'] 

Hd Qrs 9th Dept 
NEAR Albuquerque 

Ai)Hl lJf/.52 
Governor 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 
12th inst. 

I have ordered a company of infantry now on the march from Fort. 
Union, to this place to proceed direct to Santa Fe, and report to 
Col. Brooks 

I have S!() donbt but there is some ill will towards us on the part 
of the Mexicans this is perfectly natural with a conquered people but 



Soe p. .-527. 2 Sfie p. 528. » A. G. O., Filp.s, S 217 of 1852, No. 1. 



COEEESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 527 

I think in this case, it has been considerably aggravated by our dis- 
trust of them. 

It seems to me impossible that they can be so stupidly ignorant, as 
to suppose they can throw off our government. There is not a man 
among them of the least intelligence, who does not know that we 
could have troops enough here in sixty days to grind them all into 
dust. 

******* 

As soon as I can complete some arrangements, I am now engaged 
in I will visit you at Santa Fe. 

I am truly happy to hear of your recovery — I would take the lib- 
erty of cautioning you, not to exert yourself too soon, after having 
been so very ill. 
I am Sir 

With high respect 

Your Obt Servant 

E V Summer 
But Col. U.S.A. 
His Excellency Comg. Deft. 

J S Calhoun 

true copy 

E V SUMNEB 

BvtColV S A 

[CALHOUN TO SUMNER/] 

Executive Depaktmeist 

Santa Fe N. M. Afril IS 1852 
Col. E. V. Sumner 

Comniandiny 9" Mil. Dep. U. S. A. 
Sir 

I feel it my duty on behalf of the people of this city^ to make ap- 
plication to 3^ou to furnish such aid.^ as may be necessary to assist the 
civil authorities in maintaining peace & good order, which they are 
utterly unable to do, at this time, in consequence of a want of suf- 
ficient power to enforce the police regulations, and without Avhich a 
more wretched state of things must ensue in this City. 

The feeble attemps made to administer the laws, and the turning 
loose of the criminals who cannot be kept in confinement, owing to the 
want of means to furnish them with the necessary food — lias brought 
about the present alarming state of affairs. 
Yei-y Respectfully 

Your Obdt Servt 

J. S. Calhoun 
true copy 

E V Sumner 

Bvt Col V S A 

' a. G. O., Files, S 217 of 1852., No :.". 



528 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

[SUMNER TO CALHOUN.'] 

Head Quarters 9" Dept. 

Santa Fe 
A2)nl W 1852 

GOVNE, 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated 
yesterday. — I will instantly take the necessary measures to sustain 
you in preserving law and order. If it is at all possible, I should be 
glad if you could make some arrangement to subsist the citizen 
prisoners, that will be held by my guards. 
I am Sir 

with high respect 

Your Obdt. Servt. 

E. V. Sumner 
Bvt Col U.S A 

Gorndg Dept 



His Exlcy 

J. S. Calhoun 



true copy 

E. V. Sumner 
Bvt ColU S A 



[CALHOUN AND SUMNER TO THE PUBLIC^"] 

To the Public. 

It is hereby announced that no interregnum will take place in the 
office of Governor of this Territory. If Governor Calhoun should be 
obliged to leave for the States before the arrival of the Hon. Secre- 
tary of the Territory, the Military authority of this Department will 
so far take charge of the Executive Office as to make the preservation 
of law and order, absolutely certain. 

Given at Santa Fe, this 21st day of April, 1852. 

J. S. Calhoun 
Governor of the Territory of New Mexico 
E. V. Sumner 
Brevet Col. U. S. A. Commanding 9th Mil. Department, 



»A. G. O., Department of New Mexico, vol. 8, p. 218; also Piles, S 217 of 1852, No. 2. 
*0. I. A., New Mexico Supy., 1852. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 529 

[GREINER TO LEA.'] 
SUPERINTENDENCY OF InDIAN AfFAIRS 

Santa Fe New Mexico April 30 1852 
Hon. Luke Lea 

Commissioner Indian Affairs 
Sir 

By the direction of Governor Calhoun, who is yet lying seriously 
ill,^ I send you an account of the condition of the several tribes of 
Indians in this Territory 

Not a single complaint has been entered against any of the Indians 
during the month just past, a remarkable fact. 

The Camanches have not been in this vicinity, and we hear but 
little of them, except that they are gathering upon the Arkansas, for 
the purpose of trading — hunting Buffalo &c as is their usual practice 
in the Spring. 

A Pueblo Indian who had been trading with them, and who speaks 
their language fluently states — that one of their principal Chiefs had 
just returned from the City of Mexico, and appeared to be very solic- 
itous of forming a League with the other wild tribes of Texas & 
New Mexico for the alleged purpose o^f uniting them with the Mexi- 
cans, to expel, or exterminate, the Americans now in this Country. 

This Chief also made overtures to the Pueblos to join the League — 
very 
but there is b«t little danger of these people trying so foolish an 
experiment. In October next this Chief is to return, and report to 
the President of Mexico the success of his undertaking. 

realized — 

Although this wild and visionary scheme can never be ear i ied o«t 
a sharp look out will be kept upon the movements of these 7'ed gentle- 
men. 

The Pueblo Indian who gives this information, is a very intelligent 
and reliable man. 

The Gila Apaches are very quiet, and desirous of being on more 
friendly terms than heretofore. 

Nearly one hundred Jicarillas Apaches have been at this Superin- 
tendency this week, being on a moving expedition from Los Truches 
to the Rio Pecos. 

The facility with which they could get liquor at the groceries, and 
their fondness for it occasioned much trouble 



1 O. I. A., New Mexico Superintendency, G 11. 

* This was Calhoun's last illness. He prepared to return to the States, apparently 
knowing, however, that he was a dying man. He died on the plains. (Mix to Stuart, 
August 6, 1852, O. I. A., R. B., No. 7, p. 140.) Most of the documents on the following 
pages bear upon the work of Greiner, who assumed the duties of the Indian superintend- 
ency, and upon that of Sumi\er who, presumably, filled the executive chair. 

5021—15 34 



530 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

These Indians are very poor, very hard to govern, and from their 
continually roaming through the settlements, there is danger to be 
apprehended from collissions between them and the Citizens. 

The talk held with them at Pecos, and the presents there dis- 
tributed, has produced the most beneficial results. — They intend to 
settle down and manufacture Tenajos ^ and baskets to trade with and 
a number of them are beginning to plant. Chacone their head Chief 
has strongly recommended them to cultivate the land, and this year 
has set them the example himself. 

The Navajoes are attending to their farms, and behaving like good 
people ought to do. 

Sixty of them under Sandoval their Captain arrived here last week, 
and entered a complaint against the Laguna Pueblo Indians, for 
taking the water needed by them to irrigate their lands. 

This question of right to water, is one of the most difficult to settle 
that we meet with, especially with the Pueblos. For instance take 
this one case, and it is but one of many. 

The Navajoes owned a fine piece of land, and they had sowed it 
with wheat. The grain was growing finely and they looked forward 
to gather a plentiful harvest. 

The Lagima Indians claim the ground above them as theirs, and in 
irrigating their fields they cut off the water from the Navajoes, whose 
crop is at once destroyed — This case has been referred to Gen'l Baird 
the Agent to investigate and to decide. 

The Eutaws are the' easiest managed of any Indians in the Terri- 
tory and with good treatment can always be relied upon 

They are much pleased that the Mexicans have not been allowed to 
e 
settle upon their Con jo-lands, and they feel that they are under the 
protection of the government of the United States 

They have also expressed their approbation of the Military post, 
that Col. Sumner intends to establish in their Country. They look 
to it for protection from the marauding tribes of the Praries, who 
have during the past year stolen most of their stock. 

They have their domestic troubles h6wever as other people have. 

One of the Band of Capote Eutaws, was taken sick — not long ago — 
and a Doctor belonging to the Sieveritch EutaAvs was called in to at- 
tend him. — In a few days the patient died.. 

A Council of the Capotes was called and the Doctor was tried. His 
sentence was " to be shot and scalped, — his wife's hair to be cut off — 
all his animals killed — and his house to be burned, all of which was 
instantly carried into effect. 

The Sieveritch Band not relishing this method of paying off the 
Docter — have called the Capotes to an account— and the " end is not 

yet" 

* 1 Water-jars. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 531 

Tamouchi the War Captain of the Capotes had a beautiful woman 
for a wife — Last week she was taken sick— A Doctor belonging to her 
own Band was called in — and either the disease, or the Medicine was 
the death of her. Tamouchi paid off the Doctor by putting a bullet 
through him 

Thus leaving another vacancy in the Medical Department of the 
Eutaw nation. 

Every body loved the AVife of Tamouchi and as it was strongly 
suspected the Doctor had j^oisoned her — the Indians considered he 
deserved his fate. 

All the horses & mules belonging to Tamouchi were killed in order 
that his Wife might not be left afoot in the happy hunting grounds, 
and for fear that her loss might not make a lasting impression upon 
his mind. 

A charge has been made against Govenor Calhoun for licensing 
traders to go to the Salt Lake Country — for the purpose of buying & 
selling L^tah children. There is no truth whatever in the charge — 
By the next mail all the facts in relation to the ' Pedro Leon ' case 
will be sent to the Department as well as the " Mexican custim " of 
trading for the Payutah's 

The Pueblo Indians are planting their grounds — digging their 
Acequias — herding their stock, and making every etfort to support 
themselves by their own industry. Could they be protected from 
the depredations of the Mexicans they would not only be examples 
for their rerl brethren — but for some other people of a lighter com- 
plexion. 

If a mounted force could be placed at the disposition of the 
Govenor who is Sup't Ind AfF. to be used in cases of emergency — to 
protect the Indians in their rights — and to punish them when neces- 
sary — it would be of great service to the TerritoiT 

The Agents are unable to enforce any decision they may be called 
upon to make and of necessity they have been compelled to resort to 
a temporizing policy which may soon bring them into disrepute. 

Governor Calhoun although unable to stand alone will leave here 
for the States on thursday next. His Physicians Dr Byrnes of the 
Army — and Dr Massey of this place — have strongly advised him to 
do so — and if the trip across the Plains restores his health, he will at 
an early day call upon the Department and furnish all the facts neces- 
sary to a proper understanding of the wants and condition of the 
Indians in New Mexico. 
Ver\' Respectfully 

Your Ob't'Sv't 

John (jreiner 
Acfg Svp't Ind. Af. Neiv Mexico 



532 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

[Related Correspondence.] 
[order OF GREINER.^] 

Executive Office, 
Santa Fe N. M. April 15—1852 
"By Virtue of ;iii Unler issuod Iruiii this Department on the 29th March ult. 
All communications or correspondence with his Excellency James S. Calhoun 
■Governor & Ex Officio Superintendeut of Indian Affairs relating to Indian Affairs 
In this Territory, is from and after the date of said Order to be addressed to 
John Greiner Act'g Superintendent of Indian Affairs until otherwise ordered " 

The severe illness of Gov. Calhoun has rendered it advisable to lighten as 
much as possible the arduous duties devolving upon him as Governor of the 
Territory and for this purpose the above order has been issued. 

The undersigned will therefore attend to all business connected with this 
Superintendency at the Palace in Santa Fe. 

John Greiner, 
AcVg Superintendent of 

Indian Affairs 

New Mexico 

[SUMNER TO J0NES.2] 

Head Quarters, 9th Dep't : 

Albuquerque N. M. 

April 28th 1852. 
Major General K. Jones 

Ad ft: General. 
General, 

Since my last letter of the 24th inst : 1 have, returned to my head quarters, 
and I shall remain here till Governor Calhoun leaves for the States, when I 
shall repair to Santa Fe, and take charge of the Executive ofl3ce until I receive 
orders from the Government in relation to this matter. 

There is strong reason to believe that efforts are being made by some unprin- 
cipled men to subvert our government in this territory, but I do not think they 
can force the people into an outbreak, especially when they see we are ready 
for them. I have determined to establish a large camp at this place, being the 
central point of the territory, it will consist of four companies of horse and two 
of foot, and I think it will have a great effect in repressing all insurrectional 
spirit in the peoiile. I received by the last mail, leaves of absence for three 
Officers which would make thirty four absent out of the sixty six, that belong to 
the companies in this department. I am compelled to take the responsibility 
of withdrawing these three leaves, until other officers join. 

I trust this action will be approved. I would earnestly ask the attention of 
the General in chief to the great number of Officers that are absent from my 
command, and I would respectfully remark, that it is utterly impossible for 
mie to carry on the affairs of the departuient without more officers. 
I am Sir 

Very respectfully 

Your ob't : Servt : 

E V Sumner 
}ivt: Col: Lt: Col 1st Drag-s 

Comdg: Dept: 



1 0. 1. A., New Mexico Letter Press Book, vol. I, p. 69 of inserted pages. 
* A. 0. O., Department of New Mexico, vol. 8. pp. 230-231. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHUUN. 583 

[merritt to STXTART ^] 

Santa Fe April 30th 1852 
Dear Sib 

Enclosed you will find a Notice issued by the Gov and Commandant of this 
Territory and by it you will see that we will be out of a Govt in a short time. 
Gov Calhoun leaves here on Monday next the 3rd of May the Secy left here 
about three weeks since, neither of thein expect to return — We are or will be 
soon without a Govei-nor, a Secretary a Chief Justice and two Indian Agents^ 
of the appointments of the President. We have several persons acting as agents 
by appointment of the Govemoi' — Can not the Govt send men here to fill the 
various oflices who will at least live here until their successors arrive The 
country is ripe for a revolution to overturn the Govt here and they openly ex- 
press their intention of putting in a Gov of their own upon the departure of 
Gov. Calhoun What will come of it time will shew. The Indians still commit 
their outrages in the southern portion of the Territory and murders and robbery 
almost daily take place under the very window of the Governor of the Territory 
and he is unable to suppress it. Our jails are empty not from the want of 
prisoners to fill them but from the want of money to buy food for them when 
In : The Legislature refused to pass a Tax law at their last Session consequently 
the Treasury is bare — the reason assigned for not taxing was that the people 
tpould not snhmit to it. 

These are facts Sir which no one (let him be who he may) will dare to con- 
tradict 

I have written you several letters but as yet have received nothing to say 
whether or not they were ngree;ible. 

I am Sony I could not have received the Agency given to Mr. Baird. As 
while you were giving it to a democrat I think you could have given it to me 
Please send me any documents that you may think interesting — by papers I 
send by this mail you will see the state of the Country as regards murders rob- 
beries &c &c 

T have the honor to be 
Sir Respectfully 

Your Obt Senant 

C H Mebbitt 

Hon Ai:Ex H. H. Stuart 

Washington 

D. C. 

[SUMNER TO SIBLEY.2] 

Head Quarters, 9th Dlp't : 

Albuquerque, N. M. 

May S' 1852. 
Major B. S. Siblet 

A. Q. M. 
Major, 

I regret extremely that I cannot wait here till your arrival, but tis impossible. 
The Governor leaves on thursday, and I must go to Santa F&, to morrow. I 
must therefore leave the Fort Defiance train entirely under your charge, both as 
it regards getting It over the river, and starting it, as well as its contents. See 

» B. I. A., M. L., April, 1852. 

» A. G. O., Department of New Mexico, vol. 8, pp. 236-238. 



534 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

yourself that all the subsistence stores are forwarded. I regret that their esti- 
mates for Qr: Master's stores was not received in time for this train. Write 
to Major Backus and say to hiru, that if any of those articles are indispensable, 
(that he cannot do without them) I will send them out by mule wagons. 

Five hundred sheep will be sent out. employ two Mexican herders, these sheep 
will be bought by Lieut : Robertson. There are some hoes and spades here for 
the Navajos, these must go without fail, and say to Major Backus, that I wish 
him to give them to the Indians in the name of the Governor of the territory. 

You will have a terrible job in getting the train over the river. It will be 
necessary to take every thing out of the wagons. Bv't : Cap't : Taylor with a 
detachment of 20 dismounted men will take the train out, till he meets the 
escort to be sent by Major Backus. As soon as you see it started from the 
other side of the river, make the best of your time in getting down to Dona 
Ana, and I want you to accomplish that business ,as soon as possible and come 
directly to Santa Fe, on your way to Fort Union. Inspect closely the affairs 
of your department, at Forts Fillmore, and Conrad. Apply to Major Blake for 
a few men to go with you to Conrad. Major Howe is ordered to send a sufficient 
escort across the ' Jomnada ', to make it perfectly safe. 

Some arms and ammunition (150 ritles,) for the Boundary Commission are 
to go down at the same time. I wish you to see about this, I have ordered 
Major Rucker to this place. I must have his experience and energy in supplying 
this large camp 

truly & resijectfully Yours E V Sumner 

Bvt: Col: U 8. A. 

Comdg: Dept: 
Note, 

The tools for the Navajo Indians are in the rear of this office 

[SUMNER TO CARLETON ^] 

Head Quarteks, 9th Dep't : 

Santa Fe, N. M. 

May 5th 1852. 
Major J. H. Carleton 

Capt 1st Dragoons. 
Major, 

You will please send 25 men lo the Arkansas under Lieut : Johnston instead 
of 20 as previously ordered, and I wish you to send ten of your riflemen as a 
part of the detachment. The Governor is very ill and I wish you to instruct 
Lieut : Johnston, particularly to do all he can for his comfort and convenience. 
I have advised the Governor to rest for some days at Fort Union, and have 
told him he had better take my house. I will thank you to do what you can 
for him while he is there. Instruct Lieut Johnston, about sending a part of 
his detail as far as Pawnee fork if the Governor desires it. I do not think you 
will find it necessary to leave any men at Vegas, but I wish you to go up there 
and enquire into the cause of the disturbances. 

I have determined to extend the reserves at Fort Union to eight miles square 
as soon as Lieut : McFerran arrives. I have the order and instructions made out 
Respectfully Your oh't : Serv't : 

B V Sumner 
Bvt: Col: U. S. A. 

Comdg: Dept: 



A. G. O., Department of New Mexico, vol. 8, p. 245. 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 535 

[SUMNER TO WEBSTER ^] 

Head Quarters, 9th Mil : Dept : 

Santa Fe, N. M. 

May 8th 1852. 
The Hou : Daniel Webster 

Secretary of State. 
Sib, 

I have the honor to inform you that Governor Calhoun left this for the United 
States day before yesterday, and the Secretary Mr. Allen haveing previously 
gone in, this civil government is left without a head. 

Under these circumstances, and especially as it is known, that efforts are 
being made at this time by some designing Mexicans to throw off our Govern- 
fully 
ment, I have felt it to be my duty, in which Governor Calhoun concurred 

with me, to assume the duties of the executive office so far as to insure the 
maintainance of law and order. I have established a strong military police in 
this city to act in support of the civil authorities, and I have formed a large 
camp at Albuquerque, the central point of the Territory. These measures 
will I have no doubt, repress all insurrectional feeling, indeed the excitement 
seems to be passing away. I would respectfully inform you that no funds 
have been left here for the support of the civil government, except a few hun- 
dred dollars belonging to the Indian department. There are some expenses that 
cannot be postponed, such as the subsistence of citizen prisoners. I am now 
obliged to issue army rations to these criminals as it is iudisi>ensably neces- 
sary to keep them in confinement. I would beg leave to ask that I may be 
apprised, as early as convenient, of the views of the Government relating to 
these affairs. 

I am Sir with high respect 
Your ob't : Serv't : 

E V Sumner 
Bvt: Col: Lt: Col: 1st Drags 

Comdg: Dept: 

[SUMNER TO J0NES.2] 

Head Quarters, 9th Dep't : 

Santa Fe, N. M. 

May 8, 1852. 
Major General R. Jones 

Adft: Qen'l: 
General, 

I have the honor to inform you that Governor Calhoun has left for the United 
States, and in conformity with the public notice given by the Governor and 
myself, which I sent to you on the 22d Ulto. I have removed my Head Quarters 
to this place and have assumed the direction of the civil government. I have 
the satisfaction to report that no further disaffection on the part of the Mexi- 
cans has recently appeared, and I think the excitement is passing away. 
I am Sir Very respectfully 
Your Ob't : Serv't : 

E V Sumner 
Bvt: Col: Lt: Col: 1st Orgs 

Comdg: Dept: 

1 A. G. O., Department of New Mexico, vol. 8, p. 246. * Ibid., p. 247. 



536 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S, CALHOUN. 

[greiner to LEA^] 

superintendency of indian affairs 

Santa Fe N. M. May 19 1852 
Hon. L Lea 

Commissioner of Indian Affairs 
Sib 

As a number of the Newspapers in the United States, have published charges 
against bis Excellency Governor Calhoun for " licensing traders to buy and 
sell Indian children," I take the liberty of laying before you the statement of 
Pedro Loon a Mexican Citizen living in Abiqui who obtained a license from 
Governor Calhoun to trade with the Utah Indians, giving Bond and security 
" to comply with all the rules and regulations, adopted by the authority of 
the United States for the regulation of trade and intercourse with the Indian 
tribes " 

Leon with a party of about twenty men arrived in the Utah Territory in 
September last where he was informed that permission would not be granted 
him, nor his party to trade with the Indians, unless he procured a license 
from Governor Young. 

He at once applied to the Governor for such license, but his application was 
refused on the ground that he was not a Mormon, but leave was granted him 
to trade with the Mormon people. 

After trading with them eight days, he returned to his CamiJ — and learned 
that the Payutah Indians had stolen eighteen of his animals. 

He applied to the Mormon Authorities for liberty to pursue the Indians, and 
recover his property — which leave was granted him After following them 
seven days, he discovered them in Camp about three hundred strong 

They refused to give back the animals, but in lien thereof — agreed to give 
him nine of their children — four girls and five boys, 
do 

Seeing that he could nothing else, he agreed to take the children intending 
to lay the whole matter before Govenor Calhoun, and claim indemnity for the 
loss of his animals — and place the children at the disposal of the government. 

After he bad left the Camp of the Indians — a complaint was lodged before a 
Mormon Alcalde that he had stolen the Indian children. 

The Alcalde at the head of forty men pursued him — and took the whole party 
prisoners — and lodged them in jail where they remained two months 

The case was then investigated by the Courts and Leon & party were set at 
liberty with a flue of fifty dollars— which fine was at once remitted. 

Leon then sued the Mormons for his property and for false imprisonment, 
and was referred by Gov. Young to Washington for satisfaction. 

The Indian children were sold to the Mormons as servants, by the Mormon 
Authorities. 

Governor Young treated the whole party with the greatest kindness, while 
they were in the Country — and when they were ready to return home — he sup- 
plied them with flour, meat, and butter suflicient for the journey. 

They left on the 6th February on foot and arrived at Abiqui on the 4th of 
April having suffered a great deal from being caught in the snows in the Moun- 
tiiius — sometimes being compelled to wade in the snow to their armpits." 
Such is Leons statement of the case and I have every confldence in its truth 

The Payutahs are a Band of Utahs speak the Utah language, and are the most 
destitute and degraded of all the Indian tribes, and they have ever been in the 
habit of trading off their children, for the means of subsistence. 

10. I. A., New Mexico Supy., G 42. 



COERESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 537 

They go nearly naked — live upon snakes, toads lizards "and such small 
gear," and by way of variety sometimes made 'Atole'^ of grasshoppers — bugs, 
fish worms, — &c &c &c 

The Mexicans in time past carried on quite an extensive trade with these 
Indians for their children who make excellent house servants, but of late years 

has 
the custom been almost discontinued. 

As soon as a Payutah child Is brought into a Mexican family, he is taught 
the Mexican language — *beft the Lords prayer, is baptized — considered a 
Christian and adopted the heads of the family standing Godfather and God- 

mother for him in Baptism. 

The Mexican laws know no slavery, and any person offering to sell an Indian, 
after being baptized, not only violates the laws of the land — but the laws of 
the Church. 

The Indian has a right to choose a guardian and upon an order from the 
Prefect can be released at any time should they complain of ill treatment. 

These Indians are remarkable for their honesty and fidelity, and after being 
a 
adopted into tfee family have seldom if ever been known to return to their own 
Country and people. 

The state of Governor Calhoun's health being such that he has been unable 
to attend to this matter himself I have felt it incumbent upon me to forward 
to the Department the true state of the case 
Very Respectfully 

John Greinee 
Actg Sup't Ind. Aff. New Mexico 



[SUMNER TO CARLET0N.2] 



Head Quarters. 9th Dep't : 

Santa Fe, 
May 20th 1852. 
Major J. H. Carleton 

Comdg: Fort Union, N. M. 
Major, 

I have your letter of the 17th instant. I have told the Governor, that it is 
impossible to furnish him with subsistence stores, under existing orders. I 
wish you to let him have two wall tents, two water tanks, and second hand 
harness for 8 mules. Take the Governors or Mr Whitings receipt for these 
articles and enclose them to Major Ogden, to whom these articles will be turned 
over. 

Give what assistance you can in making repairs &c. preparitory to their 
starting. You cannot of course furnish any corn. You should address your 
letters to the Ass't: Adj't: General. 
Very respectfully 
Yours. 

E V Sumner, 
Bvt: Col: U. S. A. 

Comdg: Dept: 



A-to-Ie, porridge made of Indian corn. 

'A. G. O., Department of New Mexico, vol. S, p. 268. 



638 COREESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

]<iote. Did you not receive a message from me by Capt: Bowen, to send 
prv't Oldham, to reiX)rt to me. You will send this man up immediately. 
Respectfully Yours, 

E V Sumner 
Bvt: Col: U. S. A. 

Comdg: Dept: 

[WINGFIELD TO LEA.'] 

Washington D. C. 

22nd May 1852 
To 

Hon Luke Lea 

Comynissioner 
Sir 

I duly received your communication of the 21st inst, and hasten to reply to it. 
I have to assure you, that my stay in Washington has not been congenial to 
my own feelings and desires, and that I have been extremely anxious, for some 
time to return to my post. The latest intelligence from New Mexico, up to 
the 11th of April last, is truly discouraging, and strengthens my anxious solici- 
tude to resume my official duties in the Territory — Yon have of course seen that 
the Governor is on a sick-bed, that he is entirely without the means essential to 
carry on the Government, that tlie Secretary has resigned and left the Terri- 
tory — that the military on that station are also destitute of the resources, neces- 
sary to enable them to protect the inhabitants, again.st the daily incursions & 
depredations of the Indians — & that the people themselves are almost in a 
state of civil revolution. All these circumstances present to the Department a 
very serious & alarming state of affairs & strongly appeal to Congress, to take 
such immediate action, as may in their judgment be necessary for the peace 
& protection of the people of New Mexico. 

I respectfully suggest to the Department, if it be not advisable, that I should 
await the arrival of the next mail from Santa Fe, which is daily expected 
here, that I may then be the bearer of such intelligence & instructions, as may 
be deemed applicable to the distracted condition of the Territory. 

If this be agreeable to you I propose to return to Santa Fe by the stage which 
leaves Independence on the first of July next— 
I am Sir 

Very respectfully Edward H. Wingfield. 



[greiner to lea,-] 



SurERINTENDENCY OF INDIAN AFFAIRS 

Santa Fe N. M. May 31 1852 
Hon. L Lea 

Commissioner of Indian Affairs 
Sir 

On Wednesday last Governor Calhoun left Fort Union for the States with very 
little probability of ever reaching there alive — He takes his Coffin in along with 
him Mr. Love his Son in Law & Mr Whiting his Private Secretary are in com- 



' O. I. A., New Mexico Supy., W 87. 

2 O. I. A., New Mexico Supy.. G 38 : New Mexico Letter Press Book, Vol. I, p. 70 of 
inserted pages. 



f 



COERESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 539 

pauy with him — and should he die on the road — will take charge of all his 
effects— the Books & papers belonging to this Office and deliver them at the 
Department for the purpose of settling up all the Governors accounts at 
Washington. 

I have heard nothing from Agent Woolley himself — but I learn he has also 
gone to the States with the Governors party. 

A party of four or five Pueblo Indians from Tesuqui accompanies the 
Governor. 

No Indian depredations have been committed within this Territory for the 
last two months. 

The Apaches are desirous of making peace and have sent in for the purpose 
of making a treaty. 

Very respectfully Your Ob't Svt 

John Greiner Actg Supt 

Ind. Aff. New Mexico. 

No letters from the Department have been received by the May Mails 

[greiner to lea.^] 

superintendency of indian affairs 

Santa Fe N. M. June 30—1852 
Hon. Luke Lea 

Commissioner of Indian Affairs 
Sir 

I have this day sent to Washington the vouchers abstracts &c for the ex- 
penses incurred by this Superintendency during this quarter. 

I have also drawn a draft in favour of Win. S. McKnight for one thousand 

nearly 
dollars — the amount of which I have expended during the month. 

I have also approved a draft drawn by S. M. Baird Indian Agent for eight 
hundred deHafa and thirty dollars sixty seven cents which I hope may all prove 
satisfactory to the Department. 

I did not know how far I should be justified in approving a draft for the 
amount of Mr. Overmans vouchers — and at his request I send them for the 
approval of Gov. Calhoun. I was not sure whether he was allowed an Inter- 
not 
preter and I did wish to approve a Draft, where there might be the least 

danger of a Protest. 

Mr. Overman is well satisfied with the course I have adopted. 

Owing to the absence of Col. Woolley and Major Wiugfield the duties of the 
Superintendency has been very arduous. Nearly all the Pueblo Indians bring 
their troubles here for settlement, and while here they have to be provided with 
food for themselves & their animals. Large Bands of Navjoes and Jicarillas 
have also been provided for during this quarter. 

The alarming reports that the Camanches were about forming a Union with 
the other tribes for the purpose of attacking our Citizens upon the Plains and 
in New Mexico rendered it very necessary that every exertion should be made 
to counteract such a movement. 

This design if ever entertained has been entirely frustrated. I send you a 
Report from Gen'l Baird on the condition of the Navajoes. 



O. I. A., New Mexico Supy., G 24. 



540 COERESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

Not a single depredation lias been committed by any of the Indians in New 
Mexico for three months. The " oldest inhabitant " cannot recollect the time 
when this could have been said with truth before. 

The Southern Apaches have come in to make peace with the United States. 
I have sent runners all through their Country to bring their principal Chiefs — 
Thirty of them have been here for three days and to morrow we are to hold 
a grand Council to make the Treaty. We shall submit the Treaty made by 
Gov. Calhoun with the Navajos and Utahs with as little alteration as possible — 
and insert a clause prohibiting them from troubling the Mexicans on the 
other side of the Rio Grande accoi'ding to the treaty with Mexico. 

1 hope to be able to forward the treaty signed by all the principal Chiefs 
next Mail. 

Col Sumner upon my Application has consented to furnish rations of Bread 
Meat & Sugar to these Apaches while making the treaty — This will lessen the 
expenses 

Owing to the long and serious illness of Gov. Calhoun, and his departure 
for the States, I have been compelled to assume responsibilities, that I would 
have gladly avoided. 

Not a line has been received from the Department for two months. I shall 
send to the Department my accounts monthly, and draw for the amount ex- 
pended during the month. I have written a long letter to Gov. Calhoun, to 
many " items " to which I would respectfully refer. 
Very truly yours &c 

John Greiner 

Actg Siipt Ind Aff 

New Mex 

[whiting to ijea ^] 

Independence Mo July 5, 1852. 
Sir 

You have been, no doubt, apprized by this time of the death of H. E. Gov- 
ernor Calhoun, who was on his way to Washington City. His remains have 
been interred at Kansas,'' Mo., until the body shall decompose sufficiently to 
enable his friends to take him home and place him along side of his wife and 
daughter. 

We brought in five Pueblo Indians with us, to visit the President of the United 
States, they are now at Kansas, awaiting the arrival of a boat to conduct them 
to Washington. It was Governor Calhoun's wish, that, in case he should die, 
they should be carried on, and if you approve of this course, I shall proceed on 
my journey with them with all possible despatch. It is probable I may not 
have a sufficient amount of funds to carry me clear through, if I have not, will 
you be so kind as to inform me by telegraph to St Louis, if you will approve 
of my drawing on you for the amount I may need, and if a draft drawn on you. 
by me, will be honored when presented for payment. 

Governor Calhoun deemed it of the utmost importance that a delegation of 
Pueblo Indians should visit the States at this time, not only for the purpose of 
carrying out the policy of the Government towards them, but also to secure 

10. I. A., >pw Mexico Supy., W 120. See also W 124, W 126, W 138, W 175. 

2 A stateni' it received from Mrs. Joe Arnold, great-granddaughter of Governor Calbonn, 
is to the effect that the body was buried at Independence. 



COKRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 541 

more firmly their confidence and esteem towards our people. Evil disposed 
Mexicans and others have been tampering with them and endeavouring to induce 
them to join in a scheme for the purpose of overthrowing the present govern- 
ment. If these Indians are turned back, the consequences will be injurious to 
the Government and the Territory alike. 

I shall proceed to St Louis with them with all possible speed and shall there 
await your answer. 

Very Respectfully 

Your Obedient Servant 

David V. Whiting 

Sec. Exec. Dept 
Hon L. Lea 

Convmr 0/ Ind Affs 

Washington City 

D. C. 

[whiting to lea^] 

By Telegraph 

St Louis Mo July loth 1852. 
Hon L Lea 

Commissioner of Indian Affairs 

Wash D. C. 
Db Sir 

We are here with five (5) Pueblo Indians brought in by Gov Calhoun shall 
we take them on — If so will you honor a Draft to pay their expenses should I 
need money to pay them reply 

David V. Whiting. 

St Louis July 17th 1852. 
Hon. L. Lea 

Telegraphed on fourteenth no answer as yet Please answer immediately 

David V. Whiting 
[entry in greiner's journal.^] 

Santa Ft Tuesday, July 21, 1852. 
Mail arrived to day from the States and by it we learned the death of H. B. 
James S. Calhoun, near Independence Mo. — Few Pueblos here to day Expenses 
$1.25. 

John Greineb 
[greiner to lea ^] 

Superintendency of Indian Affairs 

Santa Fe New Mexico 

July 31st 1852 
Hon Luke Lea 

Commissioner of Ind. Affs. 
Sib 

The melancholy intelligence of the death of Governor Calhoun reached here 
by this mail, and his loss is deeply felt by the Citizens of New Mexico. 

1 O. I. A., New Mexico Supy., W 120. 

2 0. I. A., Greiner's Journal, p, 65. 

3 0. I. A., New Mexico Supy. G 43, Piled with "Treaties, Copies." 



542 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

You are already aware that in order to ligliten Ms labors during liis long 
sickness, I assumed the duties of Acting Superintendent of Indian Affairs at 
his request. Had he have lived to reach Washington, you would have been put 
in the possession of facts that would have given you a fair conception of the 
condition of this Territory 

As some little misunderstanding has occurred between Col. Sumner and myself 
in relation to our official duties, I deem it necessary to submit to you for your 
decision the question at issue. When Gov. Calhoun left for the States— it was 
with the understanding that Col. Sumner was not to interfere with the business 
of the Indian Department. 

When Col. Sumner came to Santa Fe he said (I quote his own words) 

'• In the event of an interregnum in the office of Governor in this Territory, I am fully 
aware that the people and government of the United States would justly hold me ac 
countable for the preservation of law and order. At the same time, it is so entirely in- 
consistent with all the institutions of our Country for a Military Man to assume the 
functions of a Governor that I should decline to do it, not to shun responsibility, but 
from a sense that it would not be right. 

Can these two positions be made to harmonize — I think so. If the two highest civil 
officers (Judges Mower & Watts) will decide between themselves which shall take prece- 
dence, I will recognize and support the superior as acting Governor. If they cannot do 
this I will protect the interregnum in other words. I will protect all the civil officers in 
the performance of their several duties, they being responsible to the authority from which 
they derive their power. The office of Governor to remain vacant until! orders are re- 
ceived from the general government 

Signed E. V. Sumner 

Bvt. Col. U. -S. A. 

Cotng. T>ep't 
Hd Qrs. 9th Dpt 

Near Albcqdbrque 

ApHl 7 '5S 

This was the position of Col. Sumner when he came to Santa Fe— and this 
was the ground that Gov. Calhoun understood him to stand upon when he left 
for the States. 

Soon after the Governor left, word was sent to this Office that the Southern 
Apaches were anxious to make peace — Runners were sent through their Coun- 
uy — and the Captains of the several Bands were requested to come in to Santa 
Fe if such was their desire — The Mescularos came in, and the Treaties between 
the Eutaws & Navajoes and the United States was taken as a Copy f'u- thp 
A paches. 

Then for the first time I discovered that Col. Sumner claimed to be th« 
Acting Governor of New Mexico and by virtue of that office Sup't of Indian 
Affairs. I objected to his pretensions but was given to understand he had th«» 
power to assume the responsibility and would assume it. Supposing that tho 
public service would not be much benefitted with a controversy between the 
Col. and myself I submitted to his authority having no other alternative than 
risking making a peace with the Indians — At the same time not being entirely 
sure that the Colonel was not right. 

The Gila Apaches afraid of coming to Santa Fe proposed to meet at the 
Pueblo of Acoma and in order that I might have no misunderstanding with the 
Colonel in connection with Judge Baird we addressed him the following note 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 543 

supibintbndbnct of indian affairs 

Santa Fh New Mexico 

July Srd 1852 
Sir 

From iufoniuv .on received at tliis office, from the Governor of the Pueblo of Acoma, 
we learn that a large body of the Gila Apaches, will be at or near the said Pueblo on 
Sunday the 11th iustant for the purpose of consummating a peace with the Government of 
ihe United States. 

As a large body of Indians is expected to be in attendance we would respectfully apply 
to you as Commander of the 9th Military Dep't for such a force as you may deem neces- 
sary for the protection of ourselves, and for the benefit of the public service. 

.ToHN Greiner 
Acf'g Sup't Ind. Aff N M. 
S. M. Baird 

Ind. Agt. N M. 
Col E V. Sdmner 

Com. 9th MiUty Dept 

Santa Fe N M 
In answer to this we receive<l the following reply 

Executive Office^ N. M. 

Santa 1'e 

J nil/ 3 '52 
Gentlemen 

In reply to your note of this date asking for the protection of troops to meet the 
Apache Indians, I have to inform you that I am going myself to meet and treat with the 
Gila Apaches at Acoma on the 11th inst. in conjunction (if he chooses to accompany me) 
with the senior Indian Agent in this lerritory. T shall take such military as I may 
deem necessary 

Very respectfully 

E. V. SUMNBE 

Bvt. Col., U. ,S'. J 

Com 9th Dept 
And in Charge of Executive Office 
Messrs J Greiner and S. M. Baird 

Ind. Agents 

With the following onr correspondence clo.'-ed. 

SUPERINTENDENCy OF IND. AFF. 

Santa Fe N M. July ith '52 
Sir 

We have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of yesterday and respectfully 
reply 

That the Agents appointed by the President of the United States for the Indians In 
New Mexico " will choose " (as suggested) to accompany Col. Sumner to treat with the 
Gila Apaches at Acoma. 

No unwarrantable assumption of arbitrary power on the part of the military commander 
will for a moment cause them to swerve from their ofBcial duties. 

Having manifested every disposition on their part to act in " concert " and harmony 
with the Military they protest against the right assumed by Col. Sumner in the framing 
of this treaty — and object to the assumption of power expressed in his letter of " going 
himself to meet and treat with the Oila Apaches " 

They intend to witness the consummation of the Peace for which they have so long and 
ardently labored, and will not be drawn into any minor questions, but will respectfully 
submit to the Department at Washington if they are not the proper porccn a Officers to 
negotiate Indian Treaties in New Mexico. 
Very Respectfully 

Your Obt Sv'ts John Greiner 

Acting Sup't Ind. Aff. N. M. 
S. M. Baird 
Col. E. V. Somner Ind. Agt New Mex 

Comg 9th Mil. Dep 

Santa Fe New Mexico 
With this nnderstnndiug we accompanied Col. Sunnier to Acoma, made every 
effort to make the Indians feel that it was their interest to make peace with 
our Government, returned well pleased with the trip — and now respectfully 



544 CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN, 

submit to the Department " Whether it was not the duty of the Indian Agents 
to negotiate this Treaty without the interference of Col. Sumner. 

The question is one of some importance as a " precedent " and I would be 
much gratified if the Department would give it some consideration, in order 
that I may know how to be governed under similar circumstances hereafter. 
The kindest feelings exist I believe between Col. Sumner and myself — and 
I am inclined to believe he acted from a conviction of duty — I know that I did. 

We are now at peace with all the Indians in New Mexico — and another 
month has rolled around with scarcely a complaint lodged against them. 
People in small parties — even single persons travel through their Country, 
without being molested, and I think they can be kept so if the people of New 
Mexico will only let tliem alone. 

Col. Sumner has taken the responsibility of sendiug the Treaty with the 
Apaches to Washington by one of his officers which will account for its not 
accompanying this Report to the Indian Oflice. 

I trust it may be ratified, and the same Appropriation made for them as 
for the other tribes in New Mexico The Navajoes and Eutaws. This has 
been partly promised them, and you may be sure it will be better expended by 
the Indian Department than by the War Department in powder and bullets. 
Very Respectfully 

Your Oht Sv't John Greineb 

AcVg 8up't Ind Aff. N M. 

Hon. L Lea 

Com. Ind Aff. 

Wosirton at II D. C. 

[CALHOUN TO JONES.'] 

[ Copy of Warrant. ] 

Fort Union New Mexico 

May 1st, 1852 
To R. M. Stephens Deputy United States Marshal for the Territory of New 

Mexico Greeting — 

You are hereby Commanded to proceed under the direction of the Command- 
ing Officer at this Post, to arrest and take into Custody the following named 
persons, to wit; Morris Miller, Hugh G. Hutchinson, John Woland, Calvin D. 
Scofield, Arthur Morrison, Samuel Sias, William Reynolds, Samuel Morey, Jacob 
Meador, and William Halsted, and turn them over to Col Sumner at Santa F6, — 
You will also take charge of whatever property you may find on the premises, 
under the direction of the Commanding Officer at this Post, and have the same 
delivered to the Quarter Master at this place, — You will also proceed under the 
direction of the Commanding Officer to burn and destroy whatever shanties you 
may find, — The above persons you will take into Custody upon the Charges of 
gelling liquor in the Indian Country, and for having purchased and concealed 
stolen property. 

Given under my hand on the day and year above written — 

(Signed) James S. Calhoun 

(Witness) Governor and Suj)t of Ind Affs 

(Signed David D Whiting) 
John Jones 

US. Marshal 
By R. M. Stephens 

Dept US Marshal 



O. I. A., New Mexico Supy. N 111. 



COBKESPOI^DEJSrCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 545 

[Inclosure.] 
The United States 

To John Jones United States Marshal for the Territory of New 
Mexico — for the following services rendered in obedience to the Man- 
dates of a Writ from and under the hand of James S. Calhoun Gov- 
ernor and Superintendent of Indian Affairs in New Mexico. 

(Viz.) Dr_. 

1852 United States 

f For selling Liquor in the Indian Country and for purchasing & 
ay V. fc>.| receiving stolen property of the United States — 

Morris Miller ] To Arresting Defts at $2. each 20 00 

Hugh G. Hutchinson " Burning 5 Shanties at $2^ each 12 50 

John Woland " 10 prs hand Cuffs a $3. each 30 00 

Calvin D. Scofield " Transportation for prisoners from Fort 

Arthur Morrison I Union to Santa Fe 50 00 

Samuel Sias [ " Suhsisteuee for prisoners on road for seven 

William Reynolds days at $1. per diem each 70 00 

Samuel Morey " Rent of Quarters for prisoners for 3 nights 

Jacob Meador at $0 per night 15 00 

William Halsted " foraging 12 Animals for transportation 

from Fort Union to Santa Fe, and 
back— 12 Fanagers Corn a $5 = $G0. & 
6 loads Fodder at $4. 84 00 

To Fire Wood purchased for Comfort of prisoners 3 loads at $4 — 

each 12 00 

" Committing prisoners to Jail In Santa Fe a $1. each 10 00 

" Mileage from Santa Fe to Fort Union and back — 105 miles at 

5 cts each way of travel pr mile 10 50 

" Making Invoice and storing Goods and Chattels of the Defend- 
ants, taken possession off 25 00 



$338 00 
Examined and allowed 
Grafton Baker 

Gh. Justice &c 

[lane to lea.^] 

Executive Department, 

Santa Fe New Mexico, 

February 2S, 185S. 
Sib 

The enclosed account of John Jones, Marshal of this Territory has been pre- 
sented to me for payment, but as I do not feel authorized to pay it, myself, I 

1 O. I. A., New Mexico Supy, N 111. 
5021—15 35 



546 COERESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

forward it to your Office. The service was performed, and the endorsal (which 
was made in my presence) is intended for a receipt, should a draft be sent for 
the amount. 

Very Respectfully 

Your Obedt Servant 

Wm Care Lane 

8ui)t Ind Affrs 
Hon L. Lea 

Commr. Ind Affrs 

Washington City 

D. C. 

[SUMNER TO CALHOUN.M 

Head Quarters, 9th Del^'t: 

Albuquerque N. M. 

Mai/ 2' 1852. 
His Exy J. S. Calhoun 
Governor, 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the two letters 
written by your direction dated April oOth 1852, I cordially recip- 
rocate your kind feelings, and trust that you will reach your home 
in safety. 

I will be in Santa Fe, on Wednesday night, as I wish much to see 
you before you leave. I would propose to you to go to Fort Union, 
and rest there for a few days. You wdll be very comfortable in my 
house, and it is entirely at your service. Under existing circum- 
stances in this territory, instead of sending Major Carleton's whole 
company to the Arkansas, I shall send a platoon only, under Lieu- 
tenant Johnson, I will direct this Officer to regulate liis marches to 
suit your convenience. 
I am Sir 

With high respect 

Your ob't : Serv't : 

E V Sumner 
Bvt: Cnl: Lt. Col: Ut Digs 

Comdf): Dcpt: 



»A. G. 0., Department of New Mexico, vol. 8. p. 235. 



COERESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 547 

[CALHOUN TO LEA/] 

Executive Department 

Santa Fe New Mexico 

May 5th 1852 
Sir 

I have this day drawn on you in favor of Joseph D Ellis Esq at 
sight for Two thousand Eighty seven 50/100 Dollars, which amount 
will be duly accounted for at the end of the present quarter. 
Very Respectfully 

Your Obedient Servant 

J S Calhoun 

Supt hid Afs. 
By David V. Whiting 
Hon LuitE Lea 

Commr of Ind Affs. 

Washington City 

D. G. 

[LEA TO CALHOUN."] 

Department of the Interior, 

Office Indian Affairs, 

May 6th, 1852. 
Calhoun, His Excy Jas. S. 

Gov. c&c 

Santa Fe, 

New Mexico. 
Sir, 

Your own, and the accounts of Agent Greiner, and of Special 
Agents S. M. Baird and C. Overman, transmitted with Mr. Whitings 
three letters of the 31st March have been received. 
Very respectfully. 

Your Obt. Svt. L. Lea, 

Gomr. 

[LEA TO CALHOUN.n 

Department of the Intr. 

Office Indian Affrs : 

May 6: 52. 
Calhoun, His Excy. Jas. S. 
Santa Fe, 

New Mexico. 
Sir, 

I have received your letter of the 31st of last March, enclosing 
the Official bond of S. M. Baird, Esq, Indian Agent in New Mexico, 
which is approved. 

Very respectfully, Your Obt. Svt. . L. Lea, 

Gomr: 

* O. I. A., New Mexico Supy, N 64. » O. I. A., L. B., No. 46. p. 74. • Ibid. 



648 CORBESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

[CALHOUN TO LEA.'] 

Executive Department 

Las Vegas N. Mexico 

Mmj 11, 1852 
Sir 

I have this day approved a draft drawn by Col A R Woolley, 
• Indian Agent, at sight, for One hundred DoUars, in favor of Michael 
Gleason vv^hich will be duly accounted for in his accounts for this 
quarter. 

Very Respectfully 

Your Obed* Servant 

J. S. Calhoun 
J)y David V. Whiting 
Hon L. Lea 

Comm'' of Ind Affs 

Washington City 
D.G. 

[SUMNEB TO CALHOUN.'] 

Head Quarters 9th Dep't: 

Santa Fe, 
May 20th 1852 
His Exy : J. S. Calhoun 

Fort Union, N. M. 
Governor, 

I have received the two letters written by your direction on the 
16th and 17th inst : Every thing will be done to insure the due course 
of law in the case of the prisoners arrested by your order. Dr Byrne 
informs me that he does not wish to go to the States, and requests 
that Dr McParlin, may be ordered to accompaii}^ you. As I pre- 
sume 3^ou would not wish Dr Byrne to go unwillingly, I have sent 
the order to Dr McParlin. I regret that I can not furnish you with 
the subsistence stores. Owing to the great abuses here and else- 
where very stringent orders have been is.sued on this subject. OflEi- 
cers are now obliged to certify to the number in their families, and 
that the provisions are not used for any other purpose. You may be 
able to make some arrangement with the Agent of the flour con- 
tractor for the flour, with regard to the Quarter Master's stores, I 
have directed Major Carleton, to furnish you with two wall tents, 
two water tanks, and harness for eight mules, to be turned over to 
Major Ogden at Fort Leavenworth. 

I regret extremely that you do not think proper to leave the Indian 
funds in this Territory. 

There will never be a time when the judicious expenditure of a 
part of this money will do more good than during this season. In- 



1 O. I. a., New Mexico Supy, H 122. 

«A. G. C, Department of New Mexico, vol. 8, pp. 266-268; O. I. A., New Mexico Snpy, 
S151. 



I 



CORRESPONDENCE OF JAMES S. CALHOUN. 549 

deed I consider it so vitally important to meet the reasonable ex- 
pectations of the Navajos and Utahs, who resort here on business, 
that I foresee that I shall be obliged to use military funds, for this 
purpose, and in order to justify my doing this I must be able to 
show, that I left nothing undone to obtain, the funds that had been 
specially appropriated by Congress for their benefit. I am very 
happy to hear of the improvement in your health, as you can now 
begin to take nourishment. I have no doubt but you will recover 
rapidly. 
Wishing you a comfortable and pleasant journey 
I am Sir 

With high respect. 

Your ob't : Serv't : 

E V Sumner 
Bvt: Col: Lt: Col: 1st Drags 

Comdg: Dept: 

[SUMNER TO LEA.^] 

Hd Qrs 9th Dept 

Santa Fe N M 

May 26/52. 
Sir, 

I regret to iuforru you that Govi- J S Calhoun has not thought proper, before 
leaving this territory, to turn over the funds belonging to the Navajos and 
Utahs. — From information I have received from Mr Greiner Indian Agent, and 
temporarily charged with the Superintendency of Indian Affairs. I suppose 
there must be at least $25000, of those funds unexpended. — There will never be a 
time when a part of this money can be so judiciously used as during this season. — 
These Indians are now perfectly quiet and friendly and it is a great object to 
furnish them with tools, and other useful things, in order to encourage them in 
extending their agriculture &c as much as possible — 

Besides, parties of them frequently come here on business, and it is indis- 
pensably necessary to feed them while here. — 

So vitally important do I consider it, just at this time, to equal the reasonable 
expectations of these Indians, that I foresee that I shall be obliged to use 
military funds for this purpose — I would therefore, earnestly request that 
measures may be taken to restore to the territory, as soon as possible, the 
money that belongs here — The Secretary Mr Allen also carried away all the 
public money in his possession, amounting to about $9000, so that I am left in 
charge of this civil government, the direction of which I was compelled to as- 
sume under peculiar circumstances, without the means of carrying it on, al- 
though Congress has made all the necessary appropriations. — 
With high respect 

Your obt Servt E V Sumneb 

Bvt Col Lt Col 1st Digs 

Comg Dept 
Hon In charge of Executive Office 

Luke Lea 

Commr of Indian Affairs 
Note May 29/ I would state that Mr Greiner Actg Supt Indian Affairs has 
already been obliged to borrow $200, to meet the wants of that d^pt. 

1 O. I. A., New Mexico Supy., S 151. 



550 CORRESPONDENCE OP JAMES S. CALHOUN. 

[whiting to SUMNER.^] 

Copy. 

Executive Department 

Fort Union N. M. 

May 2Gth 1852. 
Colonel, 

I am directed by H. E. the Governor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter 
of the 20th inst, in which you make inquiries concerning certain Indian funds, 
and I am directed by him to inform you that if there are any such funds in the 
Territory he is not aware of their existence. It is true that $36,000 were appro- 
priated by the Congress of the United States in fulfilment of Navajo and Utah 
Treaty stipulations, a portion of that amount has been drawn and expended, 
a full report of which will be given at Washington upon the arrival of H. E. at 
that place. There are over $20,000 now lying at Washington, which have not 
been drawn as H. E. did not deem it expedient for him to do so, as he did- not 
consider the wants of said two tribes demanded it. nor does he consider they 
demand it at the present time 
Very Respectfully 

Your Obt; Servt, 

(Sgd) David V, Whiting. 

Col E. V, Sumner 

Comdg 9th Mil; De't; 

Santa Fe', 
N M 

Head Qurs 9th Mil; Dep't; 

Santa Fe', N M 

May 20th 1852 
A true copy 

J. C. McFerran 

1st Lt 3d Inf 

Actg Ast Adj Oenl 
[LEA TO CALHOUN. '^l 

Department of the Interior, 

Office Indian Affairs, 

3/mj 26: 1852. 
Calhoun, His Excy. J. S. 

Gov d'-c. Santa Fe., New Mexico. 
Sir: 

Agent WooJley's accounts for the qr. ending 31st March last, with 
Mr. Baldwin's letter of 8th ulto, transmitting them, have been 
received. 

Very respectfully, 

Your Obt Svt. L. Lea, 

Comr. 

lO. I. A., New Mexico Supy., S 151. 
8 0. I. A., L. B., No, 46, p. 116. 



INDEX 



Page. 

Abert, J.W 5 

Albuquerque 31 

Capt. Walker's California party retire 

to 451-452 

Sumner moves his headquarters from 

Fort Union to 434 

Allen, William S 364 

Alvarez 218, 242, 305n2 

Apaches 6,8,32,34,54,266 

And others prepare to make treaty with 

United States 212 

Associated with Kiowas and Comanches. 270 

Attack upon 262-263 

Bands of 266 

Depredations 215, 255, 284, 486, 492 

Gila, have many captives and animals... 401 
In camp near San Miguel, La Cuesta, and 

Anton Chico 350 

Living east of the Rio Grande, treaty 

with 314-316, 327-328, 472 

Murders by 63, 155, 216, 259, 341 

Sumner has established a new post at the 

"copper mines" in the country of. . . 433 
Treaty should be made with the, west of 

the Del Norte 394 

Want to know about future location 353 

Arapahoes 7, 8, 18 

Attack of, and Kiowas upon a Utah vil- 
lage 438 

Archibille, a Navajo chief 312 

Arkansas Crossing 18 

Armijo 467 

Augney, W. Z., letter of 256-257 

Baker, Grafton, to visit Washington.. 431 

Baird, Spence M.: 

Accounts 511 

Commission 473 

Special agent for Navajos 488 

Bartlett, John Russell ^ 404, 405 

BeaU, Benjamm Lloyd 35n, 59,152 

Beaubien, Charles 133, 135, 136, 137 

Artillery force sent to Taos on recommen- 
dation of 360 

Circuit judge 358 

No confidence in the Mexican popula- 
tion 358 

Bent, Charles 5, 9, 56 

Bent's Fort 32, 42 

Black Eagle Barbon 467 

Blumner, Charles, takes census of Indians of 

New Mexico 280 

Boundary Commission: 

An agent of Interior Department ought 

to be with 414 

Calhoun intends visiting 394 

Citizens of Mesilla find fault with the 

placing of the initial point 404 



Page. 

Brooke, George Mercer 14,17,99 

Burnside, Ambrose E.. 60, 61, 99n, 188, 196, 197, 198 
Calhoun, James S.: 

Accompanied by five Pueblo Indians 540 

Accounts 332, 337, 379 

And Sumner go to Jemez to meet Nava- 

joes 434 

Appointment as governor of New Mex- 
ico 295,296 

Asks leave of absence to visit Washington 

and Georgia 365,399 

Attacked by catarrh and jaundice 473 

Bond 16, 67, 74,334 

Brooks will furnish escort to, to the Utah 

country 439 

Comments upon report 190 

Commission 2, 3, 262 

Compensation 3 

Complains that he is still ignorant of late 

laws affecting New Mexico 354 

Constitution proposed for State govern- 
ment 213,217,253 

Death of 541 

Death of younger daughter 471 

Departure from Georgia 1 

Disbursements 156 

During illness of, Greiner to act as super- 
intendent 519 

Estimates 175 

Informs Sumner of apprehensions as to 
effects of his changes in Ninth Mili- 
tary Department 396 

Intends to visit the Boundary Commis- 
sion 394 

Interior Department should have an 

agent with Boundary Commission. . . 414 

Interview wi Ih agen tsofPueblos 340 

Inquires if he has power to fill vacancies 

in Indian agencies temporarily 436 

Is gratified that Judge Grafton Baker will 
advocate changes in New Mexican 

organic law 431 

Leaves Fort Union 538 

Proclamation Mar. 18, 1851, touching the 

formation of volunteer corps 300-301 

Report on Pueblos 172 

Reported to be at the point of death 521 

Sons-in-law 48 

Suggestions 82, 139, 148 

Thinks not less than two mounted regi- 
ments can maintain peace in New 

Mexico 431, 433 

Transmits petition 157 

Unfounded charges against 536 

Wants military escort to the Utah coun- 
try 434 

Will leave for the States 531 

551 



552 



INDEX. 



Cafion Bonito, post establ ished at 439 

Captives 29, 

51, 63, 60, 73, 161. 181, 184, 345, 
349, 390-391, 401, 405-406, 414, 451 

Cayugas 7, 8 

Chacon: 

And other Indians ordered to be at Anton 

Chico by May 15, 1851 351 

Brought in by Lieut. Holliday 310, 317 

Carrying out of treaty 328, 330 

Signs treaty 314 

Superior chief of Apaches east of Del 

Norte 308 

Chihuahua: 

Department of 7,34n 

"Will be a perpetual scene of robbery 

and bloodshed" 428 

Chapitone 22, 49 

Cheille, Canon of 21,26,27,28,35.38 

Cheyennes 7, 8, 18 

Uneasiness among 417 

Chippewa In2 

Choice, Cyrus 48,90,91,121,187,208 

Compensation due 336, 460 

Death 259 

Payment to 335 

Cito, Jose, a mescalero 319 

Clayton, John M Inl 

Coahuila, department of 7 

Collins, James 5 

Colquitt, W.J 11 

Comanches 8, 18, 32, 34 

Assembling 342,345 

Carlos Vigil reports "decidedly peace- 
fully purposed " 389 

Decamped during night 342, 

343, 344, 355, 356, 363, 368, 378 

Depredations 347 

Location 394 

On the way to fight Navajos 379 

Proposed disposition of 55 

Want to know about their future location. 353 

Connelly, Dr. Henry 218,255,281,305 

Cooke, P. St. George 5 

Council Blufls 1 n2,2 

Cunningham, Francis A 217, 305 n 2 

Davis, John H 48,61,249 

Dawson, W. C 75,384 

Disurnell, map of 1 

Dodge, Henry Lane 38 

Doniphan, A. W 9 

Dunn, Isaac B 95,271 

Dunn, James H., inquires concerning his 

relatives 272-273 

Durango, Department of 7 

Eagle Feathers: 

Cattle killed by 349 

Pays a visit to Calhoun 368 

Principal chief of Comanches 343, 345 

Emory, W. H 5 

Ewing, Thomas 10 

Fitzpatrick, Thomas 18 and notes 

Fort Conrad 433,449,479,485 

Fort Defiance 434,445,518 

Fort Fillmore 4.33, 485 



f'age. 

Fort Leavenworth 17 

Fort Union: 

Calhoun leaves 538 

Established by Sumner 417 

Headquarters of Sumner moved from, to 

Albuquerque 434 

Fort Webster, establishment of, and effect 

upon Gila Apaches 290,479 

Storesfor 487 

Fremont, John C 5 

Grand council of Apaches and Comanches 

planned 345 

Greiner, John 321, 388 

Talk with Navajos 475 

Will be stationed near Taos 393 

Grier, William N 88, 107 

Haralson, H. A 12 

Hays, John C 34 

Holliday, J. P 308,310,317 

Houghton, Joab 18, 39, 49 

Houston, Sam, letter of. 211 

Iverson, A 11, 12 

Jemez 35, 36 

Calhoun and Sumner meet Navajos in 

council at 434 

S. M. Baird to be located at 488 

Visit of Calhoun to 44 

Jicarillas 6,8 

Daughter of Mrs. J. M. White supposed to 

be captive among 269 

Depredations of 299 

Have chief and four warriors at Santa Fe. 308 

In the neighborhood of Manzana 281 

Must keep beyond aU settlements 359 

Obtain whisky of the Mexicans 357 

Threaten hostilities 357 

Jones, John G 48 

Judd, Henry B Ill, 146, 184 

Kearny code, salaries under 437 

Kearny, Stephen W 5,6,9,32, 120 

Kendrick, Henry Lane 26, 48, 59, 310, 358 

Kiowas 18,32 

Attack with Arapahoes, a Utah village.. 438 
Lacome, Auguste: 

Mission of 167, 271 

Report 169, 239 

Laguna, Valley of 31,38 

Latz, Benjamin J 297,310,318,330,345,352 

Lea, Luke, Navajo chief 467 

Lee, Andrew 48 

Lee, Benjamin F 48 

Legislature: 

Members of, memorialize Calhoun 386-387 

Memorial of certain members, Jime 30, 

1851 366-368 

Room needed for 352 

Love, William E 249 

Lumpkin, John H 11 

Lima, Ramon, e.xpedition to Navajo country. 283, 
284-286 
Lobo: 

A Jicarilla 319 

Chief of the Mescaleros 317 

Signs treaty... 314 

Mail, attack upon 47 

Manuel, Simon, Apache chief 260 



INDEX. 



553 



Page. 



Jicarillas in the neighborhood of 281 

Lieut. HoUiday pursues Indians who 

committed depredations near 308 

Navaj OS drive stocl;; from near 307 

Marcy, William L 9,11,13,14 

Martinez, Marians 22 

May, Charles A 80,91,121 

Mescaleros have chief and four warriors at 

^- -aFe 308 

Miguel, Hosea 467 

Mitchell, VViUiam H 49 

Moquis ( Hopi) - 7, 8, 52 

Visit Callioim 415 

Mower, Horace " 364,388,407 

Munroe, John 43,61,64 

Calling legislature 218 

For continuing military occupation 242, 253 

Proclamatijns of— 

May 6, 1850 213 

May 28, 1850 219-220 

Refuses to furnish Indian superintend- 

ency with subsistence 324, 328 

6, 7, 8, 21, 32 

Calhoun and Sumner meet at Jemez 434 

Citizens of Taos and Rio Ariba want to 

go against 427 

Divided into two groups, hostile to each 

other , 309 

Depredations 211, 

217, 239, 200, 264, 268, 283, 288, 289, 
291, 303, 307. 312, 380, 389, 414, 447 
Fort Defiance established in theii- coun- 



try. 



518 



Land title 340 

Make assaults upon Zuni 250, 260 

Murders committed 47, 299, 414 

Post established at Canyon Bonito ui their 

country 439 

Resources 55 

S. M. Baird, special agent for 488 

Sumner makes expedition to theii' coun- 
try 113,414,418 

Treaty with 21-25 

New Mexico: 

Act establishmg the seat of government. . 435 

Aflairs in a critical condition 514 

Census of Indians 280 

Citizens growing increasingly apprehen- 
sive 430 

Citizens opposed to a State government 

cU-aw up declaration of principles. . 370-375 
Defeated faction stirring up trouble 

among the Indians 362 

Defective character of organic law 432 

Factious citizens influencing Pueblo In- 
dians to take up arms 369 

Mischievous element among people of. . . . 361 

Traitorous 364 

Not 500 citizens can read English language 413 
Not less than two mounted regiments can 

maintain peace in 431 

Sumner regrets laws not strong enough to 

repress lawlessness 397 

Treasury empty 425 

Unprincipled men trying to subvert the 

government 532 



Overman, Charles, accounts 511 

Pah-hah-you-co 211 

Pleasanton, Lieut. Alfred H., ordered to pur- 
sue Navajos 289, 292, 310, 346 

Porode, Simon, Apache chief 260 

Pueblos: 

Council 369 

Want to know views of Government re- 
specting them 267 

Quitman, John A 111,146 

Reynolds, A. W., leader of disaflected New 

Mexicans 362 

Rio Ariba, citizens of Taos and of, want to go 

against Navajos 427 

Robinson, James D 89,90 

Sandra, governor of, draws up a declaration . 369 

Sandoval 307 

Navajo chief, on visit to Santa Fe 309 

San Felipe, claim of 447,449,454,456 

San Illdefonso 57, 99 

St. VrainCeran 42 

Simpson,!. H 205,204 

Smith, Hugh N 42,53,59,68,69,113,222,224-226 

Socorro, petition from citizens of 479,481-482 

Spanish land and water statutes 497-507 

Steen, Enoch 73,188 

Steptoe, E. J 118,148 

Sumner, Edwin V.: 

And Calhorm go to Jemez to meet Nava- 
jos 434 

Assigned to command of Ninth Military 

Department : 383 

Breaks up military post at Santa Fe 417 

Expects to leave Fort Leavenworth for 

Santa Fe by May 1, 1851 384,385 

Expeditions to the Navajo country 413, 

414,418,421,430,441.451 

Is to cooperate with Calhoun 416 

Makes changes in Ninth Military Depart- 
ment 382 

Moves headquarters from Fort Union to 

A Ibuquerque 434 

Tamucha 256 

Taos: 

Citizens of, and of Rio Ariba, want to go 

against Navajos 427 

Company of infantry at 433 

Petition of citizens 240 

Pueblo of 494 

Voting by Indians 132 

Texas, relations with New Mexico 70, 

220,221,244,252-263 

The'Palace 435 

Thomas, Carroll 89,90 

Thomas, Francis John 110,146,184 

Traders, 71, 104, 108, 196, 246, 251, 282, 348, 483 

Tunicha: 

Murders committed near 47 

Valley of 27,35 

Twiggs, D.E Ill 

Utahs 7,8,18,20,35,92,201.202.205 

Depredations 217,239,288 

Have had secret council with Taos 358 

In force in the valley of La Costillo 358 

Lands claimed, in tho valley of the Los 

Conejos 438 

Mexicans arrangingto seize lands ol 441 



554 



U I ahs— Coil ; iuu ed . 

Treaty with ail, 125, 127, 252, 33-''. 

Village of, attat-ked byKiowasand Arap- 

ahoes 438 

Wagon Mound, murders at 206, 207, 209 

Washington, John Macrae 19^ 

20, 21, 31, 35, 36, 37, 42, 18S, 203 

Watts, Johns 364,388,407 

Weightman, Richard H 53, 

133n, 217, 305n2, 321, 388, 393, 464 

White, J. M 63' 

131, 160, 170, 239, 247, 269, 271' 
272, 273-274, 287, 293, 297, 308, 328 



Wliiting, D.V .' 292 

W ilMi., John 5, 1, M) 

Wingfield,E. H -in 

Absent 434 

Arrives in Santa Fe >32 

Will accompany Sumr.er to Navajo coun- 
try 93 

Woolley, A. R .21 

Arrives at Santa Fe .92 

Will be. stationed on tl\n L.;j. ' ' .c 

road i93 

Zunl, pueblo of 30, 35, 3.-', 50 

Deputa lion from 50 



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